MANISTIQUE — They were challenged at times, but the Manistique Emeralds prevailed in a 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-20) volleyball triumph over the Iron Mountain Mountaineers here Thursday night.

That was especially true in the third set when both teams seemed to pick up their intensity.

Iron Mountain led 15-10 before the Emeralds began their comeback in this Mid-Peninsula Conference match.

Junior outside hitter Aaliyah Sears provided a kill and sideout for the Emeralds (6-4-2 overall).

A kill by senior outside hitter Kyra Carlson brought Manistique within three points and a hitting error by the Mountaineers made it 15-13.

Manistique then committed a passing error before scoring the next five points, taking an 18-16 lead on a kill by junior middle blocker MaKenna Davis.

Iron Mountain was still within 22-20 following a hitting error by the Emeralds before a pair of return errors and a hitting miscue foiled the Mountaineers.

“We definitely responded and fought back,” Emeralds’ coach Amy Nixon said. “We had a few moments of indecision, but served at a real high percentage.

“We had a disappointing ending at the Rock (at Gladstone Sept. 13). We were looking forward to seeing how much better we could play. Hancock is pretty good and we split with them at Gladstone, which was definitely our best match of the day.”

In the opener, Manistique held an 11-10 lead following a net violation.

The Emeralds extended their lead to 15-10 before senior Bella Person provided a kill for the Mountaineers to bring them within four points.

Manistique then began to pull away, extending their lead to 20-12 on a hitting miscue.

Person sent a freeball over the net, resulting in a kill and sideout for Iron Mountain.

The Emeralds, however, didn’t allow the Mountaineers to get any closer.

“I’d say this was one of our better matches,” Nixon said. “After time-outs, the girls responded. We’re still working on some improvements. I think we need to work on our offense. Our attacking is improving, but it still needs some work.”

Manistique led 9-8 in the second set when it used a time-out.

Iron Mountain then committed service, return and hitting errors, enabling the Emeralds to gain a 12-8 cushion.

The Mountaineers were within 16-12 following back-to-back hitting miscues by the Emeralds.

Manistique extended its cushion to 22-14 before a kill by junior Ava Sardina provided the Mountaineers with a sideout.

Iron Mountain, which trailed 23-16, was unable to maintain the serve and committed passing and return errors to end that set.

Kyra Carlson collected two service aces and nine kills. Sears added six kills. Senior right side hitter Maya Carlson finished with five kills and three blocks and junior middle blocker Kaylynn McDougle had two blocks.

Junior setter Ashlyn Jones tallied 24 assists for Manistique

Sophomore defensive specialist Kendyl Flodin provided the Emeralds with 25 digs. Maya Carlson added 14 and Kyra Carlson had 11.

The Emeralds, who dropped the jayvee match, host Bark River-Harris Thursday. The Mountaineers are in Crystal Falls for today’s Forest Park Invitational.