Last season, the Austin girls soccer team could play some serious defense, but it was struggling to score goals and score wins and the Austin volleyball team was showing just enough potential to show that brighter things may be ahead.

This year, both teams have already equaled their win totals from last season and both are showing signs of being programs on the rise. Despite playing its first chunk of the season without one of its top players in senior Jordyn McCormack, the Packer volleyball team has shown vast improvements on the court.

 Austin has taken a smarter, more disciplined approach to the court and it has led the Packers to their best start to a volleyball season in about a decade. Avery Thompson and Erica Lundberg have proven to be consistent hitters, and the team’s back row play has been steady.

The Packers will host Mankato East at 7:15 p.m. Thursday

The Austin girls soccer team has battled in all of its games this season and the team showed a lot of heart in its 2-1 overtime win over Albert Lea Tuesday night.

Despite being down late in the contest, the Packers continued to push through until Grace Mayer and Morgan Raymond each came up with goals that may have turned the season in the right direction.

Robin Weaver was also focused and effective in the net for the Packers, who will play at Winona at 7 p.m. Thursday.