The seniors of the Pekin Panther volleyball team (18-5 overall) played a vital role in the squad’s swift work of the WACO Warriors (6-15 overall) Tuesday in Wayland. The Panthers jumped out to seven point leads in each of their sets, including starting game two on a 9-0 run, as the Panthers made quick work of the Warriors (25-8, 25-12, 25-13).

Pekin senior Cassidy Tolle smashed a game-high 15 kills to lead the Panthers offensively. Senior Beth Atwood smacked nine additional kills. Senior Courtney Comstock assisted on 25 Panther points, and senior libero Emily Bemis dug up 12 balls, tied with sophomore Maci Gambell for the team lead.

The victory improves Pekin’s overall record to 18-5, while the loss drops WACO to 6-15 overall. WACO returns to the court on Thursday in Winfield, battling conference and Henry County rival the Winfield-Mount Union Wolves (16-14 overall).