Kendall spikers advance to sectional semis

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2016 at 5:29 pm
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Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Madison Rath spikes the ball over Genesee Valley’s Sabrina Schmidt during the host Lady Eagles sectional victory this afternoon.

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Lexi Payton sets over the net for Kendall.

Combining a fast start with a strong finish, No. 2 seed Kendall outlasted visiting No. 7 Genesee Valley 25-8, 21-25, 23-25, 25-10, 25-18 this afternoon in the quarterfinal round of the Section V Class D2 volleyball playoffs.

Madison Rath had 15 spiking kills, 2 blocks and 17 digs to lead the way for Kendall as Emily Mattle added 7 kills, 5 service aces and 13 digs; Jenna Regan 8 kills, 1 ace and 2 digs; Chelsea Wright 9 assists, 7 aces and 9 digs; Jessica Coble 23 assists, 7 digs and 2 kills and Lexi Payton 5 kills, 5 aces and 11 digs.

Kendall got off to a fast start romping to a 17 point win in the opening set as Mattle served up points 4-9, Wright 11-16 and Rath 20-25. Rath, Regan and Payton each had 2 kills.

Genesee Valley though came rallying back to take the next two sets with key late runs of service points to grab a 2-1 lead in the match.

However, Kendall answered the challenging by capturing the fourth set 25-10 to knot the match.

The Lady Eagles built up leads of 6-0, 11-3, 16-5 and 21-8 in the set as Coble served up points 2-7 and Mattle 11-13.

Keeping the momentum, the Lady Eagles then posted a 25-18 in the decisive fifth set to close out the victory. Mattle scored points 4-6, Payton 9-11 and 20-21 and Rath 23-25.

Kendall will next face No. 6 Honeoye in the semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Livonia. Honeoye defeated No. 3 Fillmore 25-15, 25-19, 25-8.

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Kendall’s Jenna Regan spikes over the net as Lexi Payton backs up the play.