Petoskey advances in Gaylord, gets some luck for Thursday's final
· Yahoo Sports
GAYLORD — Monday came as another measuring stick night for the Petoskey volleyball team.
Having met Gaylord twice already this season, a third matchup came Monday night in Gaylord with the season on the line in their Division 1 district tournament.
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And, Petoskey’s progress showed out once again.
After winning a five-set match in September, then going to four sets in a win in October, Petoskey showed up to Gaylord’s Jim Mongeau Gymnasium with a three-set sweep.
Petoskey claimed wins of 25-19, 25-18 and then saved their best for last with a 25-14 victory.
While Petoskey took care of its business on the court against Gaylord, they also caught a bit of luck on the night.
On the other side of the district bracket, Alpena pulled an upset victory over Marquette, awarding the district championship hosting opportunity to Petoskey in the process. A Marquette win would have brought Petoskey across the bridge.
That match will come in a 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5 final in the Petoskey High School gym.
Petoskey’s last district title came back in 2024, though Thursday can bring just their third of the past 17 years.
Against the Blue Devils Monday, Petoskey played a strong defensive night and let Gaylord make the mistakes, a formula that had them off to strong starts throughout the three sets.
Sophomore Anna Miller did a bit of everything well on the night, finishing tied for a team-high in assists with 15, then added six kills, six digs, a block and an ace.
Claire Pike contributed nine kills, five digs and an ace, Jane Horsburgh had eight kills and an ace, Lily Flynn had 12 digs and two aces and Courtney Howard had 15 assists and six digs. Ava Hunt also had five kills.
Petoskey’s matchup with Alpena on Thursday will actually come as a recent rematch, with Petoskey’s last time in the PHS gym against the Wildcats last week.
The Northmen have twice earned three-set sweeps against Alpena this season, though beating a team a third time and in the postseason presents a challenge. And, one the Northmen clearly know well.
Petoskey was up to the challenge Monday against the Blue Devils. Thursday will give them a chance to answer the bell once again.
DIVISION 3
Harbor Springs 3, Inland Lakes 0
CHARLEVOIX — The second time around for Harbor Springs volleyball against Inland Lakes brought the same result for the Rams, only much quicker.
It was a victory again for Harbor Springs when they opened Division 3 district play Monday in Charlevoix, this time in a three-set sweep.
The win followed a previous five-set win for the Rams earlier this season over the Bulldogs.
Harbor claimed wins of 25-22, 25-23 and 26-24 in comeback fashion, with the Bulldogs trying to keep the season alive.
Instead, Harbor will meetup with Boyne City at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4 in Charlevoix in a district semifinal match.
In the other semifinal, Charlevoix will take on Rudyard in a 7 p.m. Wednesday meeting.
The Division 3 district final will then be played in Charlevoix at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5.
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This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey advances in Gaylord, gets some luck for Thursday's final