WARNER – Defending State B champion Warner opened its post season by pounding out 14 aces and 33 kills against Aberdeen Christian Tuesday night.

The top-rated Monarchs feature a balanced attack in a 25-6, 25-6, 25-12 win during Region 1B volleyball action.

“They have an all-around great team,” said Christian coach Sara Powell. “We just couldn’t stop the hitters.”

Lauren Marcuson led Warner with 11 kills and Kyleigh Schopp followed with nine. Meanwhile, Kamryn Anderson and Kyra Marcuson each had four aces.

The Knights were unable to slow down the Monarchs, but went down swinging.

“We went out and did our best,” Powell said, “and had some fun, too.”

Payton Skarin topped Christian with three kills. Alexis Isakson had a match-leading 17 digs.

The young Knights will return all but one player next season and Powell is excited about the future of the program.

“I have big plans for our team in the next couple years. I knew this was going to be a rebuilding year, but despite the odds against us, the girls showed up to every practice eager to learn and get better,” Powell said. “I am so proud of their improvement throughout the season and can’t wait to see what next year will bring.”

Serving: Aberdeen Christian 20-25 2 aces (Chloe Bosma 5-6 1 ace, Sophia Fogarty 3-4 1 ace, Payton Skarin 3-4); Warner 69-74 14 aces (Kamryn Anderson 21-21 4 aces, Kyra Marcuson 10-10 4 aces, Jordyn Jenson 21-21 3 aces).

Hitting: Aberdeen Christian 38-51 10 kills (Skarin 7-8 3 kills, Sophia Eichler 3-3 1 kill, Alexis Isakson 3-3 1 kill); Warner 62-68 33 kills (Lauren Marcuson 17-17 11 kills, Kyleigh Schopp 13-14 9 kills, K. Marcuson 7-9 5 kills).

Setting: Aberdeen Christian 48-53 8 assists (Jolie Fogarty 40-43 7 assists, Eichler 1-1 1 assist); Warner 61-61 32 assists (Ava Nilsson 48-48 28 assists, Reagan Wood 10-10 3 assists).

Digs: Aberdeen Christian 27 (Isakson 17, Bosma 6, Skarin 2); Warner 30 (K. Marcuson 7, Courtney Bjorgaard 7, Jenson 5).

Blocks: Aberdeen Christian 1 (J. Fogarty 1); Warner 4 (Schopp 2, Kendyl Anderson 2).

Records: Aberdeen Christian 4-24; Warner 32-2.