The Packers overcame an early speed bump to beat Northfield by scores of 19-25, 25-19, 25-14, 25-22 in the first round of the Section 1AAA volleyball playoffs Wednesday in Packer Gym.

No. 6 seeded Austin (15-9 overall) dropped the first game but never trailed in the second game as Jolene Brody spiked three straight kills to put Austin up 13-7.

“The first game we were all a little cold,” Brody said. “I thought it was freezing in the gym. We were a little out of our rhythm because usually we have other games to watch before.”

In the third game No. 11 Northfield (4-18 overall) led 8-6 before Austin scored nine straight to take the lead for good. Emma Arboe, who had 17 digs on the night, served eight straight points during the run.

“When we have Emma or Jolene in the back row, that’s always a strong rotation for us, because it means they’re also back there playing defense,” Austin head coach Darica Schneider said.

Northfield made the fourth game close when it scored four straight points to make it 23-22. But the Trojans served into the net and had a sideout to end the match.

Schneider said the match tilted in Austin’s favor when the Packers became more aggressive.

“They realized once they started swinging, that’s how they’re gonna score some points,” he said. “By giving the other team free balls, that’s just gonna allow them to run their offense and we’re never gonna get our plays.”

Austin went 83-for-85 on serves on the night. Brody went 18-for-18 with an ace, while coming up with 19 digs and 11 kills.

“With missed serves, we do not allow that,” Brody said. “The last game, they were within three. If we would’ve missed serves those would’ve been crucial points. We can’t miss serves at all.”

Austin will play at No. 3 seed Mayo (18-8 overall) Friday at 7 p.m. The Packers lost to the Spartans in five games Oct. 9.

“We’re seeking revenge. We played an excellent game we just have to take it to them and play our game,” Brody said.

Wednesday’s match was not the first time the Packers came out slow at home. Austin had a habit of coming a little slow out of the gates in Packer Arena this year.

“I have no idea why we felt we always had to come out so slowly on our home court this season. I don’t understand why we get such jitters, it should be an advantage. But it has not been the case,” Schneider said.

Rebekah Aase had a big night for Austin with 18 kills, five blocks, and two aces, Nichelle Grage had 19 assists with three aces, Ellen Ettinger had 18 assists and two aces, Sigin Ojulu, and Julia Wagner was 13-for-13 on serves.

Amanda Thompson had 40 assists for Northfield, and Kelsey Sorensen had 11 kills.