By Staff
Buchanan and Niles finished at the top of the Maroon Pool in Saturday's Buck Classic volleyball tournament, but it was Brandywine, which took third place in the White Pool, that nearly won the title.
The Bobcats, after finishing 5-3 in pool play behind Berrien Springs (6-2) and Three Rivers (5-3), beat Niles 21-15, 21-15 in the quarterfinals and then beat Berrien Springs 21-16, 17-21, 15-12 in the semifinals to reach the championship match.
Three Rivers, however, stopped Brandywine's run with a 21-13, 21-16 victory in the title match.
The same two teams met recently in the finals of the Gobles Tournament, which Brandywine won.
Buchanan had a bye in the quarterfinals before meeting up with Three Rivers in the semifinals. The Wildcats won that match, 21-16, 21-19.
Emily Whitney paced the Bobcats in several categories Saturday, leading the team with 33 kills, 25 digs and 11 aces. She also had eight blocks and 20 assists.
Bridget Mitchell was the team's leading setter with 56 assists. She also had 14 digs.
Katie Tuohy led the team in blocks with 16 and also had 31 kills. Nikki Cooper helped out with 27 kills, 19 digs and eight aces.
Nikki Martyniuk registered 19 kills and five blocks while Kelli Zache had 14 kills and four aces. Kara Allen also had 13 digs.
Brandywine hosts Lake Michigan Catholic in non-conference play tonight at 6 p.m. Niles hosts Coloma, also in non-conference action, tonight at 7 p.m. and Buchanan hosts Coloma Wednesday in a Lakeland Conference match at 6 p.m.