Faith wins first-ever district crown; falls in regional opener

The Faith volleyball team celebrated its first-ever district title. BURTON — Hoping to feed off its historic district win that moved the Faith volleyball team through to regionals, the Lady Lions took on Caseville, but were eliminated in straight sets, 25-19, 25-19, 25-20, at Kinde-North Huron Tuesday, ending their stellar season.

A three-set win over St. Thomas More Academy earned the Faith volleyball squad its first-ever district title last Friday at Genesee Christian in the No. 113-D district.

Faith took the title after a 25-18, 26-14, 25-18 effort to not only pick up its first volleyball district title, but the first district title in any girls’ sport in school history.

“It’s taken four years to win that trophy and the girls were very happy,” said coach Jan Craddock. “This whole season has been an absolute blessing, and to able to put the two schools together after Valley Christian closed its doors midseason and to give those girls an opportunity to go for the title, I’m just blessed.”

Atherton’s Rendon Torrez made a saving play for a dig. “We celebrated the win back home at Little Caesars with family, friends and the team, so that was special for everyone,” Craddock added.

Alexis Buckallew had 10 kills and two aces, while Amanda Sutton had two aces, four digs and eight kills. Dani Diehl added 10 digs and one kill to the overall tally and Becca Stilwell chipped in with five kills and two aces, and Sara Sienkewicz was steady again with 24 assists.

In the semifinals last Wednesday, Faith dispatched host Genesee Christian, 25-13, 26-24, 25- 23 to advance to the finals.

Buckallew led with seven kills, Sutton had five kill and Sienkewicz tallied 15 assists.

82-C, Bendle

Atherton and Byron were the last two teams standing

this district, with Bryon defeating the Wolverines 25-

25-13, 25-22, 25-10 at Bendle last Friday.

Retha Horton had 11 Kills, while Shannon Christie had 19 digs and KC Hill, 28 assists.