Playing at its own volleyball tournament last Saturday, St. Clair turned out to be the surprise team of the event.
The Lady Bulldogs (5-16-1) played for the tournament championship, settling for second-place honors with a loss to Pacific in the title game.
St. Clair registered a 2-2 record on the day with both losses coming against Pacific. Wins came over St. James in pool play and Union in the semifinals.
“My girls played fantastic. Everything that we have been working toward to getting better finally all came together,” said St. Clair Head Coach Ashley Mims. “We went into last week with one win and left with five.”
Championship Match
St. Clair lost to Pacific in the championship match, 25-16, 25-18.
“We fought all the way to the end,” Mims said. “It was a great day for us.”
Kayla Klenke finished the match with five kills for the Lady Bulldogs. Sam Deason added four kills and two blocks.
Macy Levvintre smashed three kills. Sharon Wagner added five digs. Allison Hinson had four digs. Emily Rogers collected 12 assists.
Semifinals
St. Clair knocked off Union in the semifinals, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22.
Union won its pool and beat St. Clair in two games earlier in the week.
“It was an awesome match. The atmosphere was loud and everyone was into the game,” Mims said. “The girls were all over the floor. They chased after everything.”
Deason finished the match with 10 kills and three blocks.
Klenke registered eight kills and one block.
Rogers registered 16 assists.
Hinson collected six digs. Levvintre added four digs. Wagner served five points.
Pool Matches
St. Clair went 1-1 in pool play. Orchard Farm, its third pool opponent, was unable to make the tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs opened the day with a win over St. James, 25-22, 25-23.
Rogers finished the match with 13 assists.
Deason smashed seven kills. Klenke added four kills.
Hinson collected five digs. Wagner had three digs. Levvintre served three aces.
Playing for the pool title, St. Clair fell short against Pacific, 25-11, 29-27.
The Lady Bulldogs had two game points in the second set, but couldn’t get the win.
“After the first set, we adjusted to their hitters and played much better,” Mims said. “It was an intense second set.”
Wagner led the Lady Bulldogs from the serving line.
Deason finished the contest with six kills.
Klenke ended with five kills. Hinson added three kills.
Rogers collected 10 assists. Levvintre registered five digs.
St. Clair played Tuesday against New Haven and has a rematch at Pacific Thursday at 5 p.m
