The Blazers were back on the road Tuesday night, taking the short trek to face their M 72 rivals, the Grayling Vikings. And as is the case every time these two teams take the court, the match was filled with long rallies, big hits, great saves, and good old rivalry volleyball.

Both teams came out a little slow in game one but it didn’t take long for the pace to quicken and the hits to start flying. Neither team could build a lead larger than two points until the Grayling Vikings finished the game 25-22.

Neither team wasted much time getting their big hits in as game two started. And as the contest wore on the intensity from both teams and benches grew as the big hits just kept flying. In the end, Kalkaska came up short falling 22-25, and down two games as they headed into game three.

Needing a win in game three, the Blazers came out strong, but the Lady Vikings answered with some hits of their own, and, as was the case in the first two games, neither team could build a lead. Finally, tied at 23, it was Kalkaska that pulled out the last two points to take the game and keep the match going, 25-23. 

The Vikings appeared to be in control of game four taking the lead 15-10 but the Lady Blazers wouldn’t give up and cut the lead to one before falling back 14-18, and again at 18-22. Just when it appeared the match might be over Kalkaska served their way to a 24-23 lead, but tonight belonged to Grayling who came back to win 26-24 and take the match, three games to one.

Stat leaders for the night: 

100% serving: Mackenzie Kniss and Violet Porter.

Ace Serves: Alina Membrillo (3), Jordyn Disbrow (3)

Kills: Violet Porter (11), Jordyn Disbrow (8), Mia Miller (4), Ongell Stevens (3)

Assists: Mackenzie Kniss (13), Alina Membrillo (8)

Digs: Alli DeVol (22), Jordyn Disbrow (11), Lauren DeVol (11), Audrey Comai (10)

The ladies in blue take the court again Tuesday, in Bellaire, with an early start time of 5:30.