By Staff
NILES – The Niles junior varsity volleyball team finished eighth overall at the SMAC JV Tournament on Saturday.
The Lady Vikings beat sixth seed Kalamazoo Central in our first competition 25-22 23-25 and 15-13.
Advanced to play against Battle Creek Lakeview and lost 21-25 and 20-25.
The loss placed Niles up against second seeded Sturgis. The Lady Vikings lost in three, 27-25, 18-25 and 14-16. In its final game of the day, Niles played Portage Central and lost 25-27 and 22-25.
"Going into the tournament our team was seeded 12th in the SMAC. Although we committed some mistakes and lost some really close matches I am pleased with our team's effort and finish of 8th overall. We improved our ranking and our play," Niles coach Alyse Hoyt said.
Defensive specialist Freshman Charissa Spear had three back row attack kills.
Freshman Sarah Ferguson contributed in the front row with 12 kills for the day. Sophomore setter Shannon Mckeel played well for the Lady Vikes contributing with 42 assists.
Niles finishes its season tonight at Brandywine and a Central SMAC crossover on Wednesday against Loy Norrix at home. This will also be its senior night for the varsity level.