ST. JOSEPH — The Niles volleyball team moved into a tie for first place in the Big 16 West Division with a 3-1 victory over host St. Joseph Wednesday night.

The Vikings (4-2) defeated the Bears (3-3) 15-25, 25-18, 25-17 and 25-23.

“During the first set we were a little slow and our passes were off, but in the second set, my team came together, reminded each other what our goals were and went out fired up and ready to take every set and that’s what we did.

“I’m proud of our team effort and our ability to push through three solid sets, capitalize on our strengths and adjust our blocks and defense.”

The Vikings are tied with Lakeshore and Mattawan for second place. Niles will host No. 3-ranked Portage Central Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Mustangs lead the division with a 6-0 record.

 

Niles statistics

Leading scorers

Miranda Baker 12 points, 2 aces

Kierra Fillwock 8 points, 1 ace

Olivia Jordan 6 points

Courtney Nixon 5 points, 1 ace

Kelsey Barton 5 points, 1 ace

Maggie Hoff 4 points

Lashonda Greene 2 points

 

Kills

Greene 19

Baker 13

Fillwock 8

Jazmin Brann 8

Lexi Smith 4

Barton 1

 

Blocks

Brann 5

Baker 4

Barton 3

Greene 2

Fillwock 1

Smith 1

Digs

Hoff 6

Fillwock 4

Baker 4

Greene 3

Jordan 3
Nixon 2