Traverse City Record-Eagle

Volleyball

November 20, 2009

Pellston to play for volleyball title

Hornets advanced with straight-set win

FROM STAFF REPORTS

BATTLE CREEK -- Pellston returned to the Class D state semifinals on Thursday, but the outcome this year couldn't have been more different than the last time around.

The Hornets advanced to Saturday's state championship match with a 25-21, 25-23, 25-17 win over Auburn Hills Oakland Christian.

A year ago, Pellston was swept out of the semifinals by Lutheran Westland.

Pellston (49-7-8) will take on Battle Creek St. Phillip (62-7-3) at 10 a.m. on Saturday for the Class D state title.

The Fighting Tigers are the three-time defending state champions, winning every title since Alisha Glass led Leland to the 2006 crown.

In Thursday's win, Pellston trailed in both the first and second games before mounting a comeback for the win. In the opener, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian held a 18-12 advantage before leading 19-15 in the second.

The Hornets jumped out to an 11-5 lead in the third set and never surrendered the lead. Back-to-back kills from Darcy Johnson and Katie Dzedzie clinched the victory.

Pellston sophomore Tayler Friend led the way with 15 kills, 18 digs and an ace. Dzedzie had 16 kills, five aces and four digs, Rachel Hutto had six kills and two aces, Chelsea Bonter had 21 assists while Samantha McNitt had 15 assists.

In semifinal action today, McBain and Cadillac will each look to stay alive.

McBain (51-7-3) will take on Bronson (60-9-1) in the second Class C semifinal of the day at 2 p.m. Cadillac (56-5-2) will follow with a Class B match with North Branch (74-5-2) at 3:45 p.m.

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