ESSEXVILLE GARBER - Sep. 20, 2008 - Pinconning played at the Essexville Garber Invitational on Saturday, going 1-4 on the day while playing without an injured Sarah Schumacher, which left a big hole on the Spartans' front line.

The Spartans lost to Valley Lutheran, Bay City All Saints and Freeland in pool play, but bounced back to defeat Freeland in the teams' second meeting of the day in bracket play before bowing out against Valley Lutheran.

In the second Freeland match, "The girls just stepped up and realized that they have what it takes to do what they need to do," said Pinny coach Brandon Little.

The Spartans (7-17-2) host John Glenn on Monday, Sept. 22 in NEMC action.

Pinny Stats: Kelsey Beck 36 digs, 4 aces; Emme Duranczyk 8 kills, 19 digs, 3 aces; Chelsea Adcock 10 kills, 2 blocks, 26 digs; Chelsea Gruszynski 10 kills, 2 aces, 32 assists; Kelsey Beson 3 kills; Devyn Podsiadlik 10 kills, 6 aces; Cassidy Vieau 2 blocks.