STEVENSVILLE — Mission accomplished.

The Niles volleyball team headed north to face Lakeshore with one goal in mind Wednesday night — win the outright SMAC West Division championship.

The Vikings did just that in beating the Lancers 25-23, 21-25, 25-17 and 25-14.

“My team came out tonight driven, focused and ready to play for their team, their school and their community,” Niles coach Jenny Nate said. “One of their main goals this season, and every season, is to get up on that banner in our gym. They have given me 100 percent effort in practice, capitalizing on our strengths while working hard each day to improve on our weaknesses. They trust each other and know that every player is vital to our success.

“Their ability to play as a team, keep mentally focused at all times, despite good and/or bad plays, has led to their ability to keep winning and capture the SMAC conference title. I am incredibly proud of this team. They have spent the season focusing on small goals, which keep leading to achieving our larger goals. On Monday, we received honorable mention in the Class A state rankings, which was another one of our larger goals this season. So that was a great lead into the week and our match against Lakeshore tonight for the Conference title.

“We are excited to head to practice tomorrow, look up at that banner and know that there are going to be some numbers up there. Then, we will get back to work and prepare for our upcoming tournament Saturday.

Niles is now 37-6 overall.

 

NILES 3, LAKESHORE 1

At Stevensville

Set Scores

Niles d. Lakeshore 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 25-14

 

Individual Statistics

Scoring

Carly Barton 9 points, 2 aces

Kelsey Barton 8 points, 5 aces

Holly Walker 8 points

Bella Rasler 8 points

Bre Love 8 points, 1 ace

Madison Cavanaugh 6 points, 1 ace

 

Kills

Kelsey Barton 14

Lexi Smith 11

Rasler 8

Nola Wallace 5

Jazmin Brann 3

Carly Barton 2

 

Blocks

Wallace 5

Rasler 2

Kelsey Barton 2

Brann 1

Carly Barton 1

 

Digs

Love 14

Kelsey Barton 9

Rasler 9

Carly Barton 9

Walker 7

Smith 6

 

Assists

Carly Barton 23

Kelsey Barton 18

Varsity record: Niles 37-6