Southland wasn’t tested in the opening round of the Section 1A volleyball playoffs when it beat the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf by scores of 25-13, 25-8, 25-18 Monday in Adams.

The sixth-seeded Rebels (11-16-3 overall) will now play No. 3 Kenyon/Wanamingo in Hayfield Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The first round win was refreshing for the Rebels, who never got past the first round last year.

“It was nice to be at home and be the favorite,” Southland head coach Angie Smith said.

Hilary Johnson had eight digs and four aces for Southland, Chelsey Smith had 11 kills and six digs, Katie Barthels had 14 assists, five kills, five digs, and two aces, Emily Howton had 14 assists, and Amber O’Connell had five kills and six digs.