OSCODA - Nov. 7, 2008 - Hale opened with a big win in Friday's Class C district volleyball championship at Oscoda.

Whittemore-Prescott, bounced back with a vengeance to claim its second district championship in three years, 10-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-22.

"What a great comeback after an awful start we had in Game 1," said W-P coach Helen Loomis. "We put it behind us and came back with focus and desire and never looked back."

"Unfortunately that (first game) really put a fire in Whittemore," said Hale coach Heather Chrivia. "After that first game was over I was thinking, 'Wow, this is going to be a great night for us.' They were so pumped and communicating well.

"But it became more of a lax situation after that first game and they just lost their niche."

Chelsea Jasman (13 kills, 2 blocks) and Larrissa McGeathy (12 kills) took control at the net, especially in the second game that swung the momentum in W-P's favor. Loomis said that Cortney Bork (28 digs), Leighanna Loomis and Chloe Moraitis had a strong game digging out Hale's hits.

"All team members , especially our subs, showed great enthusiasm and support.

"A special thanks to our parents, friends and fans who traveled up and cheered us on."

The Cardinals (15-20-1) travel to McBain on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to take on Kingsley (53-7-4) in a 7:30 p.m. semifinal.

Hale ends its season with a 21-8-3 mark, including 12-2 as the North Star League runner-up.

"It was a great season," Chrivia said. "I am so proud of these girls. I feel we more than exceeded all expectations with such a small, young team.

"We had great leaders to help the underclassmen step up and get ready for next year. They have nothing to be ashamed of and I hope they are all proud of their great season."

Hale Stats: Tarra Caverly 100% serving, 1 ace, 2 blocks, 22 digs, 10 kills; Liz Lerczak 4 aces, 6 blocks, 31 digs, 1 assist, 13 kills; Laura Sidebottom 1 block, 9 digs, 30 assists; Kelsey Reilly  100% serving, 1 ace, 21 digs, 6 kills; Stacey Eno 100% serving, 3 blocks, 11 digs, 2 kills; Halley Wolkens 100% serving, 1 ace, 2 digs; Belle Moody 1 dig; Shelby Rhein 2 digs.

W-P Stats: Chelsea Jasman 13 points, 3 aces, 13 spike kills, 2 block kills; Cortney Bork 11 points, 2 aces, 28 digs; Kayla Camp 8 points, 1 ace, 18 assists, 15 digs; Larrissa McGeathy 6 points, 12 spike kills; Leighanna Loomis 20 digs, 6 spike kills; Chloe Moraitis 20 digs, 5 spike kills.