The Soldotna volleyball team opened up its season by sweeping matches Friday and Saturday at defending Northern Lights Conference champion Kodiak.

The Stars won Friday 25-19, 25-21 and 25-15. Saturday, SoHi won 25-18, 21-25, 25-18 and 25-22.

Opening with a long road trip to a tough opponent didn’t sound the best going in, but now that the sweep is in the books, coach Sheila Kupferschmid is ecstatic.

“We got in this major trip before school starts, so we don’t have to worry about fatigue or homework,” Kupferschmid said. “It’s just awesome for us.”

Judah Aley had 10 kills Saturday, while Ituau Tuisaula had nine kills and four aces, Drewe Zeek had eight kills, two solo blocks and two block assists, Shaylynn Zener had five aces and Aliann Schmidt had three solo blocks and four block assists.

For Kodiak, Ryana Recustodio had seven kills and 22 digs, Zennia Chia had six blocks and Kyla Nocon had 27 digs.

“I thought we were bigger and stronger than they were,” Kupferschmid said, adding the key performers were Aley, Zener and Zeek.