Beaver Dam’s Lexii Frickberg, left, strikes the ball with teammate April Snyder (19) at the net during Tuesday’s season-opening victory over Sandy Valley.

Beaver Dam High’s volleyball team had just over a week to get

acquainted with new head coach Charyn McDonnell.

The crash course was successful as the Lady Diamondbacks opened their season with a 3-0 win over visiting Sandy Valley Tuesday evening at the BDHS gymnasium.

Despite some expected first-game jitters, Beaver Dam played well in all phases to prevail by scores of 25-17, 25-15 and 25-12.

“I thought it went pretty good for our first match,” McDonnell said. “We played well, but we can do better. The girls are still learning our system.”

Senior Dakota Hurst had a strong outing for the Lady D-Backs with eight service aces, two kills and one block at the net. Senior Kynnedie Ellingford had four aces and one dig with sophomore Nancy Lopez adding two aces and one dig.

Kynnedie Ellingford of the Lady Diamondbacks prepares to serve the ball against Sandy Valley. Beaver Dam won the match, 3-0.

Leading 9-8 in the first game, Beaver Dam reeled off seven straight points to take control behind the serves of Ellingford, who had three of her aces. Her ace on the final point gave Beaver Dam the 25-17  win.

Beaver Dam quickly took control in the second game. Hurst served three aces and sophomore April Snyder had a kill as the Lady D-Backs went up 10-2. Sophomore Elizabeth Jensen served out the final  points of the win including an ace.

After a sluggish start to the third game, the Lady D-Backs regrouped and recorded eight straight points behind the serving of Hurst to grab a 19-8 advantage. One reason for the sluggishness was the slower pace of play on the court.

“The girls are used to practicing at a faster pace,” McDonnell said. “I thought we adapted well to the  slower place.”

With opening night a success, the learning curve, however, will continue.

“Our girls are rising to the occasion,” McDonnell said. “The girls are learning a lot in a short period of time. New defense, new offense, new serve receiving. They are doing what we’re asking them to do. I loved what I saw out there.”

Beaver Dam’s next four matches will be on the road before hosting El Capitan, Arizona (Colorado City) on Sept. 12 at 4:30 p.m.