The Ionia Bulldogs came out ready to play in Districts tonight. Behind strong serves and consist play the Bulldogs powered out to a 25-12 first set win. However, Portland rallied back in the second set and Ionia was unable to overcome and dropped the set 22-25. The third set was back and forth with several extended rallies before a service run by Jessa Swinehart and a strong offensive effort pushed the Bulldogs to a 25-22 finish. The fourth set was another offensive and defensive battle to the end when the Bulldogs pulled together and closed out the set and the match 25-23. 

Defense had a strong night tonight led by Paige Castillo with 19 digs followed by Drew Wachowski with 9. At the net Danika Fyan led with 4 blocks and Jessa Swinehart added 2. The offensive effort was led by Fyan with a season high 24 kills while Tess Griffith added 16. Kassidy Casillas kept the offense running with 38 assists. She also led behind the service line with 3 aces. Emma Scoby, London Brown and Castillo all added 1. The Bulldogs move to 35-5-1 on the season. Tomorrow Ionia travels back to Hastings to play Lakewood for the district title at 6pm.