Volleyball: Skyline remains perfect in the postseason with sweep of Trenton (see WLAA photostory)
While both Trenton and Skyline swept through Districts without losing a single game, the Trojans knew they were up against a formidable opponent in their Division 1 Regional volleyball semifinal game on Tuesday at Dexter High School. Skyline, a final four team from a year ago, is one of the top-ranked teams in the state and proved it with a 3-0 sweep of Trenton.
The Trojans only lost three games all season and went undefeated to win the Downriver League championship with a 10-0 record. Skyline, however, is at another level and they did the one thing they needed to do on Tuesday – come out strong and not let Trenton get a spike in confidence.
“We knew they were very good, but we came in prepared and knowing what we were up against,” said Trenton Coach Jill Romaine. “I think we started out a little intimidated, but we got over that and came to life. I was proud of how they played against a great team.”
The Trojans had four seniors on the roster (Emma Thackeray, Alayna Mulford, Kayla Everingham and Laura Howie) and Romaine was proud of each of them for their contributions to Trenton volleyball.
“This was hard for them being their last game,” she said. “I told them before the game to leave their hearts out on the floor and I think they did that. I’m very proud of them.”
Skyline will play against SEC foe Bedford in the Regional 5 final at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Dexter for the right to reach the state quarterfinals. Bedford defeated Belleville 3-0 in Tuesday’s second semifinal game.
The Eagles swept the Kicking Mules 3-0 during a regular-season match.
Trenton won its District with a 3-0 win over Wyandotte and a 3-0 win over Riverview in the District final hosted by Southgate.
The Eagles came out flying in the first game against the Trojans. They led 4-1 after an ace by Sophie Schrag and then 10-3 following a spike by Cari Bohm. A block by Trenton’s Jill Paryaski cut the deficit to 16-8. But Skyline just had too much power and presence and took the first game 25-15 after a spike by Schrag.
The second game started a little more level before the Eagles took off again. The two teams were tied at 5-5 before Skyline went on a run to take a 13-6 lead. They led 15-10 and then took a 17-12 lead on a block by Sasha Akuezue.
But the Trojans didn’t fold and made Skyline earn this one. A spike by Ella Lucas cut the lead to 19-15. A block by Paryaski brought Trenton to within 22-17. But Skyline finished it off with an ace by Clare Salata to take game two 25-18.
Trenton came out strong in game three and took a 6-3 lead on a spike by Aila Johnson. Skyline roared back and cut the deficit to 7-6 on a spike by Schrag. The Eagles tied the game at 7-7 and never trailed again.
A tip by Lauren Lee gave the Eagles a 10-7 advantage. An ace by Ayla Dunbar gave Skyline a 16-8 lead. Consecutive spikes from Harper Murray pushed Skyline ahead 20-9. The Eagles took the third game 25-12 to wrap up the win.
