The Ionia Varsity Volleyball team traveled to Laingsburg today for a 9 team tournament. The Bulldogs came out quick in pool play working well together to sweep Ithaca in 2 sets. After sitting the next set the Bulldogs took on Sacred Heart, getting out to a slower start. They battled back but eventually dropped the 1st set 25-27. The team rallied together and found their groove to split with the Irish after a 25-21 second set win. Ionia seeded out 1st overall and after a break and a match off, faced off against Lansing Eastern. The Bulldogs worked hard to overcome some inconsistency and sweep the Trojans in 2 sets to move into the semi-finals. The team struggled to find their footing in the 1st set against Bronson falling behind early. After a few changes the Bulldogs came out swinging and playing aggressively on defense to overcome and win the 2nd set. The deciding 3rd set was back and forth, however Ionia was unable to close out and dropped the match for a 3rd place finish on the day. 
 

Ionia's success today was an overall effort on offense and defense. Offensive leaders for the Bulldogs were Logan Thomas with 33 kills, Amaya Frias with 22, and Grace Droste with another 13. Droste kept the offense swinging with 62 assists on the day while Alli Shaw put up another 12. From the service line Thomas led with an impressive 13 aces while Shaw dropped in another 4. Defensively Ionia was led by Thomas with 32 digs while Alexias Daugherty added 24 and Frias 19. At the net on defense Tessa Lemke and Frias each had 3 blocks. 
 

The Bulldogs are now 17-7-1 overall on the season. Next up Ionia travels to Lansing Catholic on Tuesday at 6pm. Let's pack the stands and get loud for these hardworking Bulldogs! Great work Bulldogs!