KALAMAZOO – The Niles volleyball team defeated Bangor 25-20 and 25-16 to captured the Kalamazoo Loy Norrix Invitational championship Saturday.

The Vikings were 7-0 on the day as they defeated Coloma (25-2-, 25-5), Galesburg-Augusta (25-10, 25-14), Comstock (25-20, 25-14), Benton Harbor (25-12, 25-9) and Galesburg-Augusta (25-10, 25-9) to reach the semifinals.

In the semis, Niles defeated Kalamazoo Central 25-15 and 25-16.

“The girls set a goal to win this tournament and they came out playing intense, focused andaggressive,” Niles coach Jenny Nate said. “We knew we had to play our game and control the tempo of every single set in order the win it all. Their conditioning work really showed as they played with the same physical power from the first match of the day through the eighth match.

“It was a total team effort and every member contributed throughout the entire tournament. Seeing them win every match in two sets, have fun and accomplish their goal was truly exhilarating. We knew what we wanted and we came out and took control from start to finish shutting every team down. Their hard work paid off and we brought home a well deserved championship trophy. When this group of girls set their minds on something they make it happen and I am so proud to be a part of their success.”

Loy Norrix Invitational

At Kalamazoo

Match results

Niles d. Coloma 25-20, 25-5

Niles d. Galesburg-Augusta 25-10, 25-14

Niles d. Comstock 25-20, 25-14

Niles d. Benton Harbor 25-12, 25-9

Niles d. Galesburg-Augusta 25-10, 25-9

Semifinals

Niles d. Kalamazoo Central 25-15, 25-16

Championship

Niles d. Bangor 25-20, 25-16

 

Niles statistics

Points scored

Miranda Baker 63 points, 10 aces

Cortney Shirrell 46 points,  7 aces

Kelsey Barton 37 points, 11 aces

Kierra Fillwock 32 points, 7 aces

Maggie Hoff 26 points, 7 aces

Ashley Love 21 points, 3 aces

Digs

Love 24

Hoff 21

Courtney Nixon 7

Kills

Baker 71

Love 46

Lashonda Greene 33

Fillwock 22

Assists

Shirrell 127

Blocks

Baker 16

Love 7

Shirrell 3

Barton 3

Fillwock 2