The Ayer Shirley Panthers volleyball squad (Ayer, MA), was edged 3-2 in Thursday's non-league battle with the host South Colonels (Worcester, MA)

With the win, South improves its record to 8-5 on the season. The Colonels host Fitchburg (Fitchburg, MA) to meet the Red Raiders in a non-league challenge on Tuesday, October 14. The Red Raiders go into the test with a record of 1-12. Fitchburg won 3-1 in their recent non-league test against St. Bernard's Central Catholic (Fitchburg, MA)

The Panthers now own a 9-3 record. They put it on the line next when they travel to Collegiate Charter School of Lowell for a non-league challenge on Tuesday, October 14. Ayer Shirley will play a Wolves team coming off a 3-2 non-league win over Bartlett (Webster, MA). The Wolves record now stands at 5-6.