The Ionia Bulldogs 8th-grade volleyball team took on the Portland Raiders tonight on the road. The A team Dawgs showed up for the first set of the night with Ryelee Daugherty putting down 5 service points with 4 aces and Pyper Patterson adding 6 service points and 3 aces. Bella Barr, Selina Stalker, and Alexa Peterson each had 2 solid kills while Brynn Steffen added one. Patterson had 3 great kills. Ella White also had 6 awesome digs. The Bulldogs dominated the first set winning 25-12 over Portland. 

Ionia came out ready to battle in set two knowing that Portland was also hungry for the win. Olivia White and Juliette Stoakes hustled in the back row. Ella White and Pyper Patterson had some excellent kills in the front row while Bella Barr had multiple assists. Ryelee Daugherty had several great digs. It was a back-and-forth battle between the Bulldogs and Raiders and both teams fought for every point. A couple of missed short tips led to the Bulldogs’ defeat. The Raiders took the second set 26-24. 

Knowing if they wanted to remain undefeated this season, the Lady Dawgs had to take the final set. The Bulldogs had high energy and took an early lead over Portland with Ryelee Daugherty, Alexa Peterson, and Ella White serving tough with a combined 12 service points. Pyper Patterson had an awesome block. Bella Barr placed the ball well and made smart decisions in the front row. Juliette Stoakes did not let a ball drop on defense and covered her teammates at all costs. Their combined efforts led the Dawgs to their final set victory of 15-7 over the Raiders.

The A-Team Dawgs are 10-0 and remain undefeated this season. Please join us on Wednesday as we travel to Belding to take on the Black Knights for the final match of the year. Let’s Go Bulldogs!