By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – After strong performances against St. Joseph and at the Portage Northern Invitational, Niles volleyball coach Linda Goodrich was hoping her team would pull through with another big victory Wednesday evening.
The Vikings hosted Lakeshore for a SMAC West Division game, but in the end fell to the Lancers, 3-1.
"Our team was not able to make needed adjustments tonight," Goodrich said.
Lakeshore took a 25-22 win in the first game, and a 25-21 win in the second as both games stayed very close.
In the third, the Vikings were victorious, pulling away with a very comfortable 25-17 victory. However, the fourth game saw Lakeshore hand the loss right back as it went on to take a 25-19 win.
The Vikes were missing three players Wednesday.Kaylynn Stephenson, Nellie Coquillard and Chelsea Spear were out due to illness and injury.
"These two are relied upon heavily and their shoes were hard to fill especially with no preparation time due to school closure.," Goodrich said.
Statistically for Niles, Demi Schrader had 17 digs and assists, while Mehgen Flynn added seven kills and four aces. Samantha Brawley had 30 digs and Karly Kennedy added 20. Brittney Wolverton and Katie Bourbonnais each had five kills.
"The Lakeshore block and back court defense held us to our lowest team hitting percentage of the year. Their determination on defense was apparant and Lakeshore is very well coached," Goodrich added.
Niles will host Brandywine on Monday for a non-conference game.