LocalSportsJournal.com

The Muskegon Catholic Central volleyball team earned a Division 4 district championship on Friday with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over host Fruitport Calvary Christian.

McKenna Gentry lofts a shot over Fruitport Calvary’s Ella Dykman at the net. Photo/Michael Banka

Only the first set was easy for the Crusaders, who won 25-12. The Crusaders fought harder for a 25-21 win in the second set, and lost the third 25-20.

MCC ended the match and sewed up the district title with a 25-19 win the fourth set.

In the first set, the Crusaders jumped out to a 12-1 lead behind a strong service run by Caitlyn Fodrocy. Then they took 13 of the next 24 points to seal up the win.

In Set 2, the teams traded points before Muskegon Catholic gutted out a four-point victory.

Fruitport Calvary jumped out to an 8-1 lead and gained the victory in the third set, leaving the Crusaders clinging to a 2-1 advantage.

In the fourth and final set of the night, Muskegon Catholic held a 22-12 lead before a Fruitport Calvary run made the score closer. Ultimately the Crusaders pulled out a 25-19 win to seal up the match and claim the district trophy.

Calvin’Nae Simmons led Muskegon Catholic with 16 kills while Erin LaVigne finished with eight. Claire LaVigne guided the offense with 36 assists and Payton Helton served up three aces.

Fruitport Calvary was led by Emmalee Dykman with seven kills and four blocks while Meghan Johnson had five aces. Bekah Dukes totaled 17 assists and Logan Burgess had 11 digs and six kills.

Muskegon Catholic, now 20-20 overall, will travel to Martin on Tuesday to face Battle Creek St. Phillip at 7:30 p.m. in the Division 4 regional semifinals.

Fruitport Calvary Christian finished the season with a record of 16-16-1.