The history — making Niles volleyball team was honored at a pep assembly prior to leaving for East Lansing and the Class B state quarterfinals Tuesday.

The Vikings, ranked No. 4 in Class B, faced No. 3-ranked Lake Odessa-Lakewood in the quarterfinals with the winner advancing to Battle Creek for the state finals beginning Friday.

Also honored at the pep assembly were Kaylee Thompson, who finished 48th at the recent state cross country finals, and the Niles golf team, which qualified for the state finals for the first time since 2008.

Swimmer Alex Vota, who competes on the Bridgman co-op team, was also honored for qualifying for the state finals this weekend in the 100-meter breast stroke, 200-meter freestyle relay and the 200-meter medley relay.

Following the introduction of the golf team, Thompson and Vota, the lights went out and the first-time district and regional champion volleyball team was introduced individually.

A special motivational video was viewed by those in attendance before junior Abbie Harpenau and senior Carly Barton spoke to the fans.

“We are really thankful for everything that you guys have done for us,” Barton said.

“We would like for all of you to come out and support us tonight,” Harpenau said. “This win is not just for the wall of fame, but it is for our whole community and our whole school because we are all family in the end. It would be awesome to have everyone out there to support us.”

The lights went out one more time and a highlight video was shown to the crowd.

The Niles band played the fight song and treat bags were presented to the volleyball team before the students were dismissed and the team boarded the bus to East Lansing.