WARNER – Defending State B champion and current top-rated Warner started its season with a sweep over Aberdeen Christian Thursday night.

The Monarchs rolled to a 25-3, 25-8, 25-6 Lake Region Conference triumph.

“They are a great team,” said first-year Christian coach Sara Powell.

The Knights, who return just one of their key players from last year’s state tourney team, were unable to get going against Warner.

“We are young and made errors that they definitely used,” Powell said. “We had a few good rallies, but just struggled at the net and serving.”

Kyleigh Schopp led a balance Warner attack with nine kills, Kyra Marcuson followed with eight, and Lauren Marcuson contributed seven.

Ava Nilsson finished with three aces and 24 set assists for the Monarchs.

Chloe Bosma had an ace and a kill for the Knights. Alexis Isakson led the team with 13 digs.

Christian, 0-2 on the season, plays host to Groton on Monday night at the Christian School Gym.

Serving: Aberdeen Christian 15-18 1 ace (Chloe Bosma 5-5 1 ace, Taylor Ingamansen 1-1, Jolie Fogarty 4-5); Warner 67-74 12 aces (Ava Nilsson 12-13 3 aces, Libby Scepaniak 12-12 2 aces, Kiah Koch 16-18 2 aces).

Hitting: Aberdeen Christian 29-52 4 kills (Payton Skarin 10-15 1 kill, Chloe Bosma 7-11 kill, Sophia Eichler 3-5 1 kill); Warner 56-61 35 kills (Kyleigh Schopp 15-16 9 kills, Kyra Marcuson 13-13 8 kills, Lauren Marcuson 11-12 7 kills).

Setting: Aberdeen Christian 68-70 4 assists (Fogarty 65-67 4 assists); Warner 57-57 30 assists (Nilsson 49-49 24 assists).

Digs: Aberdeen Christian 22 (Alexis Isakson 13, Bosma 5, Eilene Hulscher 2); Warner 27 (Courtney Bjorgaard 8, L. Marcuson 5, Koch 5).

Blocks: Aberdeen Christian 0; Warner 6 (Nilsson 2 assists).