Tecumseh wins own volleyball invitational

Tecumseh’s varsity volleyball team opened the season by placing first at Parma Western’s Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 22, and followed with a first place finish at its own invitational on Thursday, Aug. 27.At home in its invitational Tecumseh defeated Onsted 25-22 and 25-14 in the championship final.Tecumseh defeated Madison 25-21 and 25-16 in the semifinals.The Indians went undefeated at 5-0 with wins against Hillsdale (25-9, 25-10), Napoleon (25-20, 25-8) and Erie Mason (25-21, 25-4) in pool play.“We played well today,” said first-year varsity coach Kimberly Foley. “I am happy with where we are at this point in the season.” Tecumseh’s Taylor Marches had 13 aces, 18 kills and six blocks; Morgan Skelton had five aces, 41 kills, 29 digs; Tyffani Bryan had 13 kills; Dani Nowak had five aces and 14 digs and Megan Freitas had 70 assists, seven kills and 19 digs.In pool play at Parma Western, the Indians defeated Lansing Catholic (21-12, 16-21, 21-13) and Hillsdale (21-5, 21-15, 21-17).In bracket play the Indians beat Jackson Christian (25-14, 25-16), Marshall (25-20, 25-18) and Battle Creek Pennfield (25-14, 25-16).Skelton recorded 38 kills; Mareches, 18 kills and 10.5 blocks; Emily Phelan, 30 digs and Megan Freitas, 38 assists, 12 digs and eight kills.“We have been working hard in the gym this summer. It is nice to get the first tournament under our belt,” said Foley. “We walked into the gym confident; our senior leadership is outstanding. I am pleased with how we played, but we still have a lot to work on.”