By Staff
KALAMAZOO – Livonia Churchill, Grand Rapids South Christian, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Battle Creek St. Philip captured state volleyball championships on Saturday.
The four state champions were crowned at the University Arena on the campus of Western Michigan University.
Livonia defeated North Branch in the Class A title match, 14-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-18 and 15-7.
In the Class B, South Christian defeated Mason County Central, 25-18, 25-18 and 25-21.
Monroe toppled North Muskegon to win the Class C title, 25-21, 14-25, 25-10, 22-25 and 15-8.
St. Philip won its second Class D crown since 2000 with a 25-17, 25-14 and 25-15 victory over Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian.
Class A
Livonia (56-4-1) reached the finals with a five-game victory over East Kentwood in the semifinals.
East Kentwood was the defending state champion. East Kentwood also won the 2000 state title and was the runner-up in 2004.
North Branch (74-3-1) defeated Fraser in four games to move into the title match. Fraser was the state runner-up in 2006.
Kyndra Abron led Livonia with 35 kills and six blocks. Lauren Krupsky added 28 kills and a block.
North Branch got 11 kills and four digs from Jessica Curtis, while Rachel Hebberd finished with 10 kills and two blocks.
Class B
South Christian advanced to the finals with a three-game sweep of Lake Odessa Lakewood in the semifinals.
In the other semifinal match, Mason County Central defeated Carleton Airport in five games.
South Christian (74-4) had three players with 11 kills or more.
Jennifer Skinner and Kendra Potgeter both had 11 kills, while Alicia TerHarr led the squad with 13 kills.
Mason County Central (52-9-3) was led by Jamie Melchert's 11 kills, eight digs and three blocks.
South Christian was the 2006 state runner-up.
Class C
North Muskegon needed only three games, while St. Mary Catholic Central needed four games to advance to the championship match.
North Muskegon defeated Iron Mountain. Monroe knocked out Union City.
Kristen Arthurs had 30 kills, five digs and five blocks to lead St. Mary CC (54-3) to the championship. Monroe also got 12 kills and four digs from Beth Terrasi.
North Muskegon (37-9-1) got 21 kills and 13 digs in a losing effort from Allyson Karaba. Lindsay Miller added 15 kills and 13 digs, while Gina Kiefer finished with 10 kills, 11 digs and two blocks.
North Muskegon was the defending state champion. St. Mary CC won its second title in the past five years. It lost to Defeated North Muskegon in the 2003 title match.
Class D
St. Philip needed four games to defeat Auburn Hills Oakland Christian in the semifinals.
Tri-Unity Christian topped Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian in four games as well.
St. Philip (70-5-1) was led by Allyson Doyle's 19 kills, 17 digs and four blocks. Kristian Zull added nine kills and 10 digs.
Tri-Unity Christian (43-9-2) was led by Traci Baker's 11 kills and six digs. Cheyenne Doyle finished with nine kills and eighth digs.
For Battle Creek, it was its second title since 2000 and its 12th championship since 1977. St. Philip was the Class D runner-up in 2006.