9-13-2017 4:19am

VOLLEYBALL: Saline Sweeps Ypsilanti

Saline made quick work of Ypsilanti in varsity volleyball action at Saline High School Tuesday.

The Hornets, despite illnesses and injuries, won 25-3, 25-8 and 25-10. Saline improved to 16-3-1 overall.

Taylor Basler had five kills for Saline. Olivia Vance, Kaija Sydlowski and Emily Finkbeiner each had four kills. Ellie Munn recorded five assists. Brianna Woods had seven assists and Julianna Pena had five assists.

Finkbeiner had 23 service points – including 11 on aces. Vance had 12 points, including five aces. Woods also served four aces. Basler led the team with three blocks.

Saline completely dominated the first set – which is what coach Kenny Seiler wanted to see.

“I thought we played very well in the first set. But we got a little sloppier as the night went on,” Seiler said. “We had some missed serves and mistakes – the kinds of mistakes that will kill you when you play against Bedford.”

Still, with Maddie Whitfield and Liz Howden out, and girls like Kaija Sydlowski making her varsity debut, Seiler was mostly pleased with the Hornets’ effort.

“We tried a lot of different things trying to find chemistry between girls tonight. When you try things and you have a lot of girls playing in new spots, with new players, you’re going to see some errors,” Seiler said. “I thought Kaija stepped in and did a great job tonight.”

Seiler said he wants girls ready to step in and excel whenever there are injuries.

Saline plays at Portage Saturday. The Hornets host Bedford Sept. 19.