Vikings strong out of the gate in '11 at TC tournament

Walled Lake Central started its 2011 season on a strong note with a runner-up finish at the Traverse City Central Volleyball Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 20.

After going undefeated in pool play, the Vikings won two matches against Traverse City St. Francis (25-13, 25-18) and Benzie Central (25-10, 25-19).

Walled Lake Central then met host Traverse City Central in the championship match and fell in three games, 25-18, 19-25, 5-15.

“I’m really satisfied with our performance for this first weekend of the season,” said Central Head Coach Cathy Johnson. “Our team executed our plays well and our serving was very effective. We used this tournament to concentrate on certain aspects of our game.”

In pool play, Central defeated Elk Rapids (25-19, 25-14), Manton (25-15, 25-11) and Traverse City St. Francis (25-20, 25-13).

“Traveling north to Traverse City was an outstanding event to kick off our season. We enjoyed having the opportunity to play against a variety of teams that we don’t get to see during our regular season,” Johnson said.

Senior Colleen Stars had 61 digs and 7 aces on the day and was 79-for-89 in serve reception, while junior Brittany Guldan had 61 assists, 19 kills, 22 digs and 13 aces.

“Colleen played outstanding the entire tournament for us. Her hard work during the off-season is showing as she is leading our defensive effort in the libero position,” Johnson said. “Brittany did a great job for us both as our starting setter and right side hitter and her serving was fantastic, also.”

Senior Gia Morianti finished the day with 17 digs, 24 kills, 12 aces and 7 blocks, while junior Katie Lusk had 10 digs, 19 kills and 15 aces.

Junior Mikaela Beck also had 4 digs and 33 kills while senior Kate Rendi had 10 digs, 14 kills and 7 blocks.

After a successful weekend, Central will look to continue its strong play when it comes home this weekend to host the Walled Lake Central Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The Vikings will defend their home court against the likes of Walled Lake Northern and Walled Lake Western, along with Brighton, Farmington, Fenton, Grand Ledge, John Glenn, Livonia Franklin, Pinckney, Wayne Memorial and Rochester.

“The competition should be good,” Johnson said.