Detroit — In late October, it was Mercy defeating Marian for the Catholic League crown on the court of Madonna University in Livonia.

But at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, it was the Marian volleyball players who came out on top against their Catholic league rivals at states on Nov. 20. Marian won its second straight Class A state championship by defeating Mercy in three sets: 25-18, 25-13 and 25-23.

Alexandra Lovell led the way with 16 kills for the Mustangs, with senior Alessandra Dietz adding 11. Mary Henry set up 32 assists for her teammates. The Mustangs were the dominant team from midway through the first set until the end of the second. Mercy kept the third set close, working their way to a 23-23 tie before Marian took the final two points and the Class A championship.

On Mercy’s side, Maddy Doyle led the way with 17 kills. Annie Bodien put up 24 assists in the finals.



In Class B action, Ladywood made a strong showing in the state tournament, but fell short to North Branch in the semifinals. They took the first set Nov. 18 by a 25-17 score, but were downed in the next three straight, 11-25, 20-25 and 12-25.

After a dominant first set by Ladywood, North Branch jumped out to a big lead in the second set. The third set remained close throughout, but North Branch never looked back.

Cheyenne Woodall and McKenzie Kettner each had six kills in the semifinals for Ladywood, with Katy Rooney chipping in 7. Alexandra Hines had 24 assists.