The White Pigeon volleyball team powered to the finals at the Climax-Scotts Tournament Saturday but ran out of steam against Athens in a rematch. Athens won 25-19, 27-25 after splitting two games with the Chiefs in pool play earlier in the day.
Bethany Hagner had 46 kills and 24 digs, Rachel Brock contributed 41 digs, Danielle Chantrenne finished with 16 kills and 28 digs, and Skyler DeMeyer posted 54 assists, nine aces and 26 digs. Riley Phelps put up nine kills, Sydney Harmon had 11 kills and 28 digs, Cheyenne Yoder added 13 assists and Kathrina Hagner had nine kills.
“We are disappointed to come up a little short in the finals,” Chiefs coach Tony Hooley said. “I’m not sure we weren’t the better team, but they made more plays when they needed them and fewer errors down the stretch. That’s what champions do, I guess. We’ll get there.”
White Pigeon defeated Heritage Christian 25-20, 25-22 and Tekonsha 25-10, 25-16 in pool play. The Chiefs beat Kalamazoo Home School 25-22, 25-18 in the semifinals.
“Rachel Brock continues to pass well and make outstanding defensive saves in the back row,” Hooley said. “Bethany Hagner had a productive day also, scoring a lot at the net and covering the floor. I really like how Riley Phelps is growing into her role on the left side, learning the ins and outs of that position. Now we just need to get her going offensively.”