The Varsity Volleyball team hosted Lakewood tonight for a crosstown Conference match-up. The Bulldogs came out strong in the first set with great all-around play but came up just short 23-25. Stepping back on the court for the 2nd set Ionia had a renewed determination and put away the set 25-19 with quick swings and aggressive defense. In the 3rd set the Bulldogs struggled to find their flow in serve receive and couldn't overcome the deficit dropping the set 14-25. Again Ionia utilized the time in between games to refocus and reconnect coming out completely in sync to roll to a 25-13 victory and send it to a 5th & final set. The final set was a back and forth battle, but ultimately the Bulldogs were unable to close out and dropped the set and match 12-15. 

The offensive effort tonight had a lot of big swings led by Logan Thomas with 20 kills while Amaya Frias put down another 13. Grace Droste paced the offense with 31 assists while Alli Shaw added 13. Behind the service line Thomas led the night with 5 aces while Paislie Patterson dropped in 4. Defense had a great overall effort tonight with some spectacular saves to give the Bulldogs an opportunity to score. The defensive efforts were led by Patterson with 22 digs while Thomas kept another 20 in play. At the net Tessa Lemke and Frias each had 2 blocks. 

Ionia Varsity is now 17-9-1 on the season and 3-2 in Conference play. The Bulldogs are back on their home court Thursday night against Alma when they'll welcome all the youth players for Youth Night! Come out and let's get loud for these hardworking Bulldogs! Great work ladies!!