The Varsity Volleyball team was back at home Tuesday night for a conference match up against Charlotte in their annual Purple Game in which they played for those they were honoring and remembering. This is always a special opportunity for the players, wearing the name of the individuals they are playing for, but also the opportunity to do our part to help raise funds along with awareness. In between the 2nd & 3rd sets the team hosted serve for soda & also collected donations from spectators. As a program we were able to raise $207 for the cause in less than 5 minutes!! Thank you to the players and fans for their support!
The Bulldogs got out to a strong start behind aggressive serving and dominate defensive play, racking up 8 aces as a team enroute to a 25-9 1st set victory. The 2nd set went back and forth until a late offensive run closed it out 25-20. Ionia came out refocused in the 3rd set balancing defensive efforts and offensive power. Another key service run by Alli Shaw pushed the lead and the Bulldogs closed out the match 25-10 to complete the program wide sweep!
The offensive efforts were led by Logan Thomas and Pyper Patterson who each had 10 kills. Alli Shaw ran the offense efficiently finishing with 26 assists. Shaw was a force behind the service line racking up 8 aces on the night while Amaya Frias dropped in 5. Defense was a balanced effort for the Bulldogs with three players tallying 5 digs – Thomas, Frias, and Avery Hoppough – while another 3 each kept 4 in play – Adelyse Perry, Aubree Shaw, and Marley Piselli. At the net, Perry had a solo block. The Bulldogs are now 3-0 in the CAAC White Conference play and 8-6 overall. They are back in action on their home court for a tri against Cedar Springs and Mt. Pleasant Wednesday night with first serve at 5pm
Ionia JV hosted their home Purple Match against Charlotte on Tuesday, September 22, with the JV Bulldogs starting the evening off strong and setting the tone for the rest of the night.
Strong, consistent serving paired with solid communication and all-around team play helped the Bulldogs control the match from start to finish. Ionia came out with confidence and carried that momentum through both sets, earning a 25-6, 25-7 victory over Charlotte.
Behind the service line, Brooklyn Castillo led the Bulldogs with 5 aces, followed by Carmen Hoppough with 4. At the net, Selina Stalker led Ionia with 5 kills, while Brynn Steffen added 3. Bella Barr and Alissa Castillo each contributed 2 kills.
Defensively, Brooklyn Castillo led the Bulldogs with 4 digs, while Carmen Hoppough added 3.
The Ionia Freshmen Girls Volleyball team picked up a two-set victory over Charlotte, winning 25-11 and 25-23.
The Bulldogs executed well in the first set, grabbing an early lead, staying disciplined, and controlling the pace from start to finish.
The second set was more of a challenge as Ionia lost its rhythm, committed unforced errors, and fell into a 10-19 deficit. Brooklyn Shattuck stepped up to the service line and delivered a steady 11-point run to put the Bulldogs ahead 21-19. The team maintained the lead to close out the match.
Shattuck led the effort with 9 aces and 7 assists. Kenna Wizorek contributed 4 kills and 2 aces, while Claire Nash added 2 kills and Chloe Willard chipped in an ace. On defense, Millie Lemke recorded 2 digs, with Piper Wilcox and Allie Grams each adding a dig to keep the ball off the floor.
The Freshman and JV Bulldogs play again on Thursday in Fowler. They will play another conference match-up next Tuesday at home against Sexton.