MATTAWAN – The magical ride of the Niles volleyball team came to an end Thursday night.

The Vikings were eliminated in the semifinals of the Class A District Volleyball Tournament by host Mattawan 3-0.

The No. 7-ranked Wildcats defeated Niles in a thrilling match 25-23, 25-23 and 26-24.

“ My girls played with all their hearts in this match and they have made me proud every day of this season, especially tonight,” Niles coach Jenny Nate said. “The leadership of Ashley Love and Cortney Shirrell was amazing and we will miss them next year.

“I can truly say that this season was a total team effort at all times and that’s the reason for our success.  These players are like a family on and off the court and they are an inspiration to our school, community and to the future of our volleyball program.”

Class A District Volleyball

at Mattawan

Mattawan d. Niles 3-0

Niles statistics

Points scored
Maggie Hoff 7
Kelsey Barton 6
Ashley Love 5
Miranda Baker 5
Kierra Fillwock 4
Cortney Shirrell 3

Kills
Baker 13
Love 13
Lashonda Greene 6
Fillwock 5
Shirrell 1

Assists
Shirrell 31
Barton 5

Digs
Hoff 10
Love 9
Olivia Jordan 6
Baker 4
Shirrell 4
Fillwock 3
Barton 2

Blocks
Baker 5
Greene 4
Fillwock 4
Love 3
Shirrell 1
Barton 1