ROSCOMMON - Aug. 22, 2008 - The season -- and the team -- are young, but Ogemaw Heights volleyball coach Diane Gillette liked what she saw Friday as her defending North East Michigan Conference champions started off their season with a second-place showing at the Roscommon Invitational.

The Falcons lost the championship match to Caro 17-25, 14-25 after splitting with them 21-11, 17-21 earlier in the day and went 3-2-3 overall.

"I was pleased with the team's performance, considering we have only four seniors," Gillette said. "The girls played tough and never gave up throughout the day.

"We still have some things to work on but I am confident we will improve each and every time we play."

The Falcons opened with a 15-21, 15-21 loss to McBain but came back to defeat Grayling 21-16, 21-11; split with Roscommon 20-22, 22-20; split with Kalkaska 20-22, 21-17; defeat Gaylord 21-13, 21-19; split with Caro; then topped Rosco in a semifinal rematch 25-12, 20-25, 16-14.

Setter Lauren Gillette was named to the all-tournament team with a solid all-around performance that included 25 kills, 65 assists and 13 aces.

Stat Leaders: Lauren Gillette 25 kills, 65, assists, 13 aces; Emily Sheltrown 26 kills, 50 digs; Jacie Lucas 15 kills, 45 digs; Jorie Lucas 14 kills, 30 digs; Shelby Marshall 35 digs.