POWERS — The North Central Jets kept battling, but came up short in a 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-17) volleyball loss to the Stephenson Eagles in a Division 4 district opener here Tuesday night.

Stephenson heads to Carney-Nadeau for Thursday’s title match which starts at 6 (CDT).

C-N advanced with a 3-0 victory over Hannahville.

The Jets took a 6-5 lead on a kill by junior Emma Sampson in the third set.

Stephenson gained an 8-7 lead on a kill by junior Maddie Prestin and extended it to 11-7 on a Jets’ passing error.

An Eagles’ service error enabled the Jets to shave their deficit to three points.

Stephenson then surged to a 16-8 advantage before a block by senior Katrina Borucki gave North Central a sideout.

The Jets got within 22-17 on an Eagles’ passing miscue, then committed a service error to give Stephenson a six-point cushion.

A kill by Prestin provided the Eagles with a 24-17 advantage and sophomore Maddie Vista secured the decision by tipping the ball over the net for a kill.

“Before the third set we asked the girls to not quit and work hard the whole way, and they did that,” said Jets’ coach Rick Mick. “Stephenson is a very good team, but the girls were able to keep a good mindset which is one more step forward in our program. The girls have grown closer. I’m happy with the way they responded.”

The Jets were within 8-6 in the opener after a series of miscues by the Eagles.

Stephenson then got a sideout and took a 10-6 lead on a block by junior Veronica Van.

North Central was still within 12-8 after an Eagles’ passing error.

The Eagles, however, gained an insurmountable 17-8 advantage on a kill by Prestin.

“The districts have a little different flavor from the regular season,” said Eagles’ coach Jackson Miller. “We knew we were one of the favorites coming in, but I think we could have played a little cleaner at times. I would like to see our energy be a little higher. They (Jets) are definitely improved. Although, we were able to tip the ball and hit the spots at times.”

The Eagles dominated the second set, building a 15-4 cushion behind a seven-point service run by junior setter Kayla Swanson, climaxed on a kill by junior Mia Hauser.

Hauser added a five-point run as the Eagles surged to a 22-5 advantage.

Swanson recorded four aces, two kills and 21 assists. Hauser finished with 10 kills. Vista added seven kills and Van had four kills and two blocks.