LocalSportsJournal.com

GAYLORD – A slow start did not deter the Ludington girls volleyball team from completing its mission on Thursday night.

After dropping the first set to Kingsford, the Orioles stormed back and won the next three and earned the MHSAA Division 2 regional title in a match played at Gaylord.

It was the Orioles’ first regional title since 1997, and it was hard earned.

Although they kept it close throughout the opening set, the Orioles couldn’t get over the hump and ended up losing a narrow 25-21 decision.

But the Orioles proved exceptionally resilient in this battle, discussing the matter thoroughly between sets and then made some adjustments in the second, adapting to the style employed by Kingsford.

Once they found their footing, so to speak, the Orioles soon established control to take a 25-22 win. Ludington won the next two sets, 25-23 and 26-24.

“Winning the second set gave the girls drive, and they started strong in the third set,” Ludington coach Liz Holden said. “But ultimately Kingsford was playing some aggressive defense, and they got back in the game. After taking the third set, the girls felt a little pressure and just kept swinging. Our defense got a lot of good digs, and Jordyn (Anderson) kept feeding the hitters and running things so we could get the kills we needed.”

Kingsford didn’t allow the Orioles to get anything easy, and the Orioles had to work hard to get balls to go down.

“I was impressed with how much Kingsford got up, but we just kept hitting until something finally hit the floor,” added Holden. “It’s been 26 years since Ludington made it to the finals, and I am so excited that these girls made it happen.”

Anderson finished the match with 47 assists, while adding seven kills, nine digs and three blocks.

Ferris State-bound Maddy Vaara pounded down 26 kills, had 14 digs, four assists, three blocks and one ace. Ashley McPike contributed 19 kills, five digs, two assists, two blocks and one ace. Karli Mesyar led the defense with 32 digs, had three assists and two aces. Mia Pung had 19 digs and one ace.

Jaelyn Laird produced eight kills, six blocks and one dig.

Ludington plays Grand Rapids West Catholic at 7 p.m. in Fremont next Tuesday in the quarterfinal round.