OSCODA - Sep. 20, 2008 - Hale's volleyball team mixed it up with a field that included three NEMC schools at the Oscoda Invitational on Saturday and put together an impressive six-game run that ended with the Eagles taking second in the tournament.

After finishing third in their pool, the Eagles topped Oscoda 25-19, 25-22 and Tawas 25-22, 25-17 to reach the finals against Ogemaw Heights. Hale had been swept in three games by Oscoda earlier in the season and split with Tawas earlier in the tournament.

"We had not played (Ogemaw) all day but knew they had yet to lose a game," said Hale coach Heather Chrivia. "They had yet to lose a game and were an extremely tough team, but the girls did not let this bother them. They worked together as a team."

Ogemaw took the first game 25-17, then held off the Eagles 30-28 in a marathon second game to earn the sweep.

"We gave it a great effort," Chrivia said. "Ogemaw is by far the best team we've seen this season. They had incredible hitting and great digging and serving.

"I am so proud of the Hale girls. They played with such team spirit and togetherness. Everyone contributed to our wins, and it was great to see that."

Hale improved to 8-5-1 overall and returns to North Star League play at Arenac Eastern on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Hale Stats (vs. Ogemaw): Tarra Caverly 7 kills, 7 digs; Liz Lerczak 8 kills, 7 digs, 2 blocks; Laura Sidebottom 100% srv, 15 asst, 3 kills, 4 digs; Kelsey Reilly 5 digs; Stacey Eno 100% srv, 4 aces, 3 digs, 3 blocks; Halley Wolkens 100% srv, 3 aces, 6 digs; Shelby Rhein 2 digs, 1 "pancake".