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Eskymos, Braves Fall In Volleyball Openers At Sault
 SAULT STE. MARIE---The high school volleyball season began on Saturday as the Escanaba Eskymos and Gladstone Braves competed at the Sault Ste. Marie Invitational. Both Delta County teams came home without a win, but gained some varsity experience in the process. Escanaba opened its day with a split against Houghton, winning the first game, 21-18, but dropping the second, 21-10. The Eskymos tied their next match as well, against Rogers City, taking the first game, 21-16, before losing the second, 21-16. Escanaba's final pool play match ended in a 2-0 loss to Petoskey (18-21, 8-21). In bracket play, the Eskymos lost two tough games to Sault Ste. Marie, 22-25, 22-25. Tara Strahl led the Eskymos with 14 kills and six solo blocks. Alyssa Polequin had five service aces and 22 assists. Katie Ziebell added ten kills, and Becca Piron had 12 digs. Things weren't much better for the Gladstone Braves. The Braves lost to Sault Ste. Marie, 21-6, 21-7. The Braves bounced back to get a tie from Brimley, winning the first game, 21-17, before losing the second game, 15-21. Gladstone's final play game was a 2-0 loss to Rudyard, 15-21 and 11-21. The Braves then went into bracket play, and lost to Rogers City, 4-25, 20-25. "We had some very bright spots," Gladstone Coach Liz Gendron said. "Freshman Chasey Williams did a great job for her first varsity competition. She's such a great athlete. She has great instinct. Lexi (Hongisto) of course led us in kills." Gendron said that there are things the team needs to improve on. "Our passing was our downfall," Gendron said. "Once we get our defense clicking, we will be awesome." |
