Alpena first in RC Invitational; RC dominates pool play

The Rogers City Invitational volleyball tournament went on as scheduled Saturday with both Alpena and RC dominating in their respective pool play. The Wildcats were perfect, defeating all comers in pool play including Harbor Light, Inland Lakes, Rudyard, and Class C defending champions New Lothrop, setting the scene for bracket play by defeating Gaylord 21-19, 21-19, and waiting on the championship game.

The Hurons were close to perfect with a 7-1 record in pool play, losing only one game to the Gaylord team. The Hurons defeated Oscoda 21-16, 21-17, Cedarville 21-18, 21-8, Forest Area 21-6, 21-18, and split with Gaylord 21-15 and 11-21. In bracket play, the Hurons faced Cheboygan and put the Chiefs away 21-9 and 23-21 to move ahead against New Lothrop.

The Hornets stung Huron hopes 15-21 and 13-21, eliminating the Rogers City team from the championship match. In the final championship games, Alpena took t

hree tries to make it official, winning the first 21-9, losing the second 21-23, and clinching the victory 21-17. Locally, three of the six players named to the all-tournament team were Rogers City?s Lauren Fairbanks, and Alpena?s Erin McLain and Megan Van Schoten.

Fairbanks led the Huron team with 44 kills, nine blocks, 47 digs, 16 assists, and three aces. Ashley Fleming had 37 kills, seven blocks, 40 digs, and eight service aces. Becky Bruning added 10 kills, five blocks, 33 digs, and three aces, while Megan Grulke had six kills, 51 digs, and five aces. Megan Hanson contributed 37 digs, 54 assists and one ace.

Monday?s Onaway/Inland Lakes match was canceled due to weather. The Hurons will travel to Petoskey Monday.