RICHLAND — The Niles varsity volleyball team reach the semifinals of the Gull Lake Blue Devil Invitational before bowing out against rival Lakeshore Friday.

The Vikings were undefeated in pool play with victories over Battle Creek Lakeview (25-12, 25-21), Wayland (25-23, 25-15) and Vicksburg (25-21, 25-18).

Niles ended up in a three way tie for the No. 1 seed, but due point differentials, the Vikings were the No. 2, which gave them a bye and an automatic place in the semifinals.

Niles faced the Lancers in the semifinal match and fell 21-25, 25-19 and 15-9.

“My players came out strong today running a fast offense,” Niles coach Jenny Nate said. “Our serve receive was outstanding and allowed us to utilize all of our hitters. The setters did a great job capitalizing on our passes in order to set the pace and keep us in control of the tempo of each game.

“When we reached the semifinals, Lakeshore put up a tough block and we had to make some adjustments during that first set and we fell short. The second set however, we were able to regain control and play our game pulling out that win. During the final set, we made a few mistakes defensively and offensively early on, and with the match only going to 15, we weren’t able to pull ahead or gain a steady lead.

“We came away from today with some great wins, but the loss gave us some issues to focus on at practice this week, and we will make sure that we improve and are stronger for our upcoming matches.”

 

Blue Devil Invitational

At Gull Lake High School

Niles statistics

Leading scorers

Holly Walker 27 points, 7 aces

Jazmin Brann 18 points, 4 aces

Carly Barton 17 points, 2 aces

Bella Rasler 15 points, 2 aces

Bre Love 12 points, 4 aces

Kelsey Barton 11 points, 2 aces

 

Kills

Kelsey Barton 25

Rasler 23

Lexi Smith 15

Nola Wallace 8

Carly Barton 7

Brann 6

 

Blocks

Smith 10

Brann 8

Wallace 8

 

Digs

Love 35

Rasler 25

Kelsey Barton 17

Walker 13

Carly Barton 7

Smith 5

 

Assists

Carly Barton 40

Kelsey Barton 32