Vikings sweep Blazers during Pink Out night

The Grayling Vikings swept the Kalkaska Blazers – a Lake Michigan Conference opponent – 3-0 on Tuesday during a best of five series at Grayling High School that included the squad’s annual “Pink Out” cancer awareness and cancer fundraising effort.

Grayling won by 10 points, 25-15, during game one of the series. The Vikings had a three-point advantage, 13-10, after 23 serves, but they pulled away down the stretch with a 12-5 run.

Overall, scoring highlights for Grayling during the first game of the series included two kills by Lexi D’Amour, a kill by Cali D’Amour, an ace by Brittlynn Elliott, a block by Rylan Finstrom, a block by Kynadi Dole, an ace by Kaycie Smith, and several kills by Dole.

The Vikings opened game two with a 4-0 run. Grayling led by two, 14-12, after 26 serves. The Vikings extended their lead to seven, 19-12, late in the contest. Kalkaska pulled within three at 24-21, but the Vikings scored on a hit by Finstrom for their 25th point, ending the game. Grayling won game two 25-21.

Points for the Vikings during the contest included an ace by Edie Boik, a kill by L. D’Amour, two kills by Finstrom, two kills by Makayla Watkins, an ace by L. D’Amour, two kills by Dole, and an ace by Jorgi Bidwell.

Grayling trailed by two points, 12-10, after the first 22 serves of game three, but the Vikings pulled away after that with a 15-4 run. Grayling won the third game of the series by a final score of 25-16 to clinch the meet victory.

Game three highlights for the Vikings included an ace by Boik, a kill by Finstrom, consecutive aces by Elliott, consecutive aces by Smith, two kills by Dole, two kills by C. D’Amour, another ace by Smith, a block by Dole, an ace by Kylie Tuck, and a kill by Finstrom.

“Proud of the girls,” Coach Tim Zigila said. “Played last night. I thought the girls came back tonight with a lot of energy. Anytime you can beat a league opponent it feels pretty good. Really proud of their effort.”

Coach Zigila credited the Grayling High School Student Senate with decorating the gymnasium and spearheading the annual “Pink Out” endeavor. During the event, people could decorate a white paper bag and have it displayed (and lit up from the inside with a small light) as the gym went dark for a moment of silence in honor of those who have battled cancer.

“Student Senate deserves all the credit. They have worked so hard since they’ve kind of taken this on as their event. The gym looks great. The support from the student section was amazing,” Coach Zigila said.

Tuesday’s victory put the Vikings at 4-2 in Lake Michigan Conference play so far this year with an opportunity to finish second in the league with a victory in their conference finale vs. Charlevoix this week.

The Vikings will host Mio-AuSable for a nonconference series on Thursday, October 27.

“This is a fun team to watch. This is a solid group of athletes. The game is fast and played at a high level. We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Coach Zigila said.