The Lady Blazers had their home opener Wednesday night in Kalaska, when they faced stiff competition from the Falcons of Ogemaw Heights. Shortly after set one began, it became clear that these two evenly matched teams were going to play each other hard all the way to the finale, and this 5-set barn burner did not disappoint the fans who came out to watch some good volleyball. In the end, Kalkaska triumphed 3-2 (25-18, 19-25, 24-26, 25-21, 15-13).

Set one was a thrilling back-and-forth affair that saw both teams have big runs, but ended with the Blazer’s Lauren DeVol serving the ball on a rope to an Ogemaw team that struggled to return it. Set two swung back the other direction in the Falcon’s favor, as did a fantastic set three that couldn’t be won in 25 points for either team! In game four Kalkaska fought from behind and then held on strongly at the end to force game 5 where Payton McKenzie scored the final point on a beautiful ace serve down the line. All night this Blazer team fought back from everything Ogemaw Heights could hit at them, and they delivered enough offense to score the W.

Jordyn Disbrow led the kill attack with 16 big ones from the outside position, and Payton McKenzie chipped in with five of her own. Maddy Wilkinson added four, and in total, the Blazers had 33 big shots from their hitters. For the second match in a row, Kenzie Kniss served 100% from the back line, but this time she was joined by Lauren DeVol who also served 100% and led all players with 10 aces.

As was the case Monday night, it was an entire team effort for the Lady Blazers. Every girl contributed to the win as Kalkaska played outstanding offense and defense throughout the 2+ hour match against a very good Ogemaw Heights volleyball team. Don’t miss the action as these young ladies travel to McBain on Tuesday, September 3rd, for a Tri-event that begins at 6pm.