The 8th Grade Volleyball teams took on the Charlotte Orioles for their first home match of the season. The Bulldogs started off with some aggressive net play from Pyper Patterson, Alexa Peterson, and Ryelee Daugherty who each put down 2 solid kills. Patterson also added 10 outstanding digs. Juliette Stoakes added 3 nice digs and covered her front row hitters well. Ella White had 4 service points and 2 aces. Olivia White had a great dig and one service point. The Bulldogs defeated the Orioles 25-21. 

Bella Barr started the Dawgs off with 3 great assists and a solid kill. Selina Stalker and Brynn Steffens each added 2 nice kills. Pyper Patterson had 3 aces, 3 service points, 3 kills, 3 digs, and one nice assist. Alexa Peterson had 5 service points, 1 ace, 3 assists at the setter's spot, and a solid dig. Ionia communicated well but a few mishaps on serve receive led to their defeat by the Orioles 23-25. 

Knowing they only had 15 points to win the match, it all came down to the final set. Charlotte got off to an early lead as the Bulldogs struggled on serve receive with several passes going into the net. The Dawgs were down by 5 points and Pyper Patterson stepped up to the service line. She served 7 service points, 4 aces and also had 4 great kills bringing the intensity back to the Bulldogs. Ryelee Daugherty had 2 solid kills with 3 assists from Bella Barr and the Dawgs overcame the point deficit to defeat Charlotte 15-11. I am proud of both teams tonight finding the GRIT and strength to pull off their wins! 

The A Team Bulldogs are 3-0 on the season. Please join us Monday as the A team travels to Olivet and then at home next Wednesday as we take on our rivals from Portland. Let's Go Bulldogs!