The 2019 Kalkaska Lady Blazers volleyball team kicked off their season tonight with a Tri-event in East Jordan, meeting stiff competition from the hosting Red Devils as well as the Bucks of Pine River. But Kalkaska came to play and ended the night 3-2, beating Pine River (2-0) while losing to East Jordan (1-2).

After watching Pine River defeat East Jordan 2-0 in the opening match of the Tri, the Lady Blazers came out and returned the favor with a dominating 2-0 win of their own, beating the Lady Bucks 25-18 and 25-21. Kalaska came out firing on all cylinders, as great sets turned into great kill shots from both outside and middle hitting positions. Immediately after the two games against Pine River, Kalkaska won their third in a row by taking the first game from East Jordan (25-12), before dropping the final two games of the night (20-25, 12-15) to the Red Devils. Overall, the Blazers were 3-2 tonight, the Bucks 2-2, and the Red Devils finished 2-3.

Violet Porter led the Blazers hitting barrage with 9 kills from the middle, while Jordyn Disbrow chipped in with 8 from the outside. Big hits were also delivered by Payton McKenzie, Baylee West, and Hannah Rhoades. Lauren DeVol set up some of those big hits, but also had a few of her own. Kenzie Kniss served a perfect 100% tonight sending over some missiles that were difficult to return.

On top of the exciting offensive output, the Lady Blazers made it hard on opposing hitters by blocking hits at the net and forcing offensive minded players to adjust. Back row digs by our defense, including several by Allie DeVol from the libero position, made for exciting volleyball. Overall, the first games of the season were a great success and Blazer fans should be excited for the brand of volleyball they will see this season.

Next up the Blazers face Ogemaw Heights, at home, Wednesday night at 7pm (both JV teams will play at 5:30pm). Come out and support your 2019 Lady Blazers and be prepared for some exciting action on the volleyball court.