It's fall in NW Michigan and that means Thursday nights are filled with the sounds of volleyball in high school gyms. That was true for the Lady Elks of Elk Rapids as they hosted the Lady Blazers from Kalkaska.

The Blazers came out a little flat in the opening contest and the Elks took advantage with strong play inside and out. Game 1 belonged to the Elk Rapids in a decisive 17-25 win.

But in game two, glimpses of the Blue Blazers powerful offense began to stir and the outside hitters began striking the ball well while the back row defense continued it's strong season-long play. Mia Miller played well from the middle position, and while Kalkaska lost 22-25 the team's fight began to emerge.

Halfway through game three the Lady Blazers started putting it all together and their strong middle play, combined with big blocks from their net players, powerful hits from the outside, and more outstanding defense from the back row gave them a critical 25-21 victory and pushed the Elks to game four.

In the end, however, Kalkaska's mistakes combined with steady play from the Elks turned game 4 into a tough 22-25 loss for the Blazers.

Alli DeVol led the Blazers with four aces and Violet Porter and Kenzie Kniss both served 100%. Senior Jordyn Disbrow and Jr. Violet Porter each led the team with six kills followed closely by Payton McKenzie with four. Junior Mia Miller led the team with four blocks, while Porter, McKenzie, Disbrow, and Audrey Comai also got in on the block action at the net. Senior Alina Membrillo led the team in assists while also picking up ten digs.

The Blazers have a day off on Friday before leaving early Saturday for a quad at Pellston High School. Senior night is scheduled for Tuesday night, September 15th, when the Blazers return home to face the Red Devils of East Jordan.