Sports

Hornets Bounce Back to Win Saline Early Bird Volleyball Tournament

A week after losing five matches at Portage Central, the Saline Hornets went six-for-six at its own tournament.

A week after dropping all five matches at Portage Central, the Saline girls’ varsity volleyball team went unbeaten in six and capture the title at its own Early Bird Invitational tournament.

The Hornets were unbeaten in pool play, and then defeated Milan and Wyandotte Roosevelt before coming from behind to beat Northville in the championship match.

Northville won the opening game, 25-18, but the Hornets laughed last, winning 25-15 and 15-12 to win the championship.

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“Today was a great bounce back tourney for us. We had a hard week of practice working on all the things we didn’t do so well last weekend at Portage Central. I am so proud of my girls. We competed so much better today and I’m very happy with how much improvement we have made,” said Saline head coach Lisa Shea.

Saline was led by Marissa Owen, who had 42 assists to go with her 21 kills. Kenzi Shand had the hot swing, with 31 kills to go with her 27 digs and 13 blocks. Ani Agbabian had 23 kills and 22 digs. Jess Wolma added 17 kills, 11 aces and eight blocks. Mackenzie Schumborg fired 10 aces.

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Saline swept through pool play, beating Waterford Kettering, 25-6 and 25-11, Wyandotte Roosevelt, 25-17 and 25-20, and Lansing Eastern, 25-9 and 25-17.

In the quarterfinals, Saline faced a Milan team that was winless in pool play. But the Big Reds gave the Hornets a run for their money. Milan, up 24-22, had Saline on the brink of the first game, but the Hornets came back and won, 28-26 before disposing of the Big Reds 25-18 in game two.

In the semifinals, the Hornets defeated Wyandotte Roosevelt 25-18 and 25-14.

The Hornets play at Bedford for the SEC Quad at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

“It doesn't get any easier with a big day on Wednesday with a SEC Jamboree at Bedford.  We have to find a way to carry it over,” Shea said.


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