8-20-2016 8:15pm

Gallery: Saline Volleyball Team Opens With 3 Victories at Home

The Saline Varsity volleyball team opened the 2016 season by taking three matches at a quad Saturday at Saline High School.

Saline defeated Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 25-17 and 25-17, Portage Northern 25-11 and 25-17, and Milford, 25-17 and 25-17.

“It’s a great start. We weren’t always great in the preseason practice, so it’s nice to start like this,” said coach Kenny Seiler.

Saline’s 12-girl team features four seniors, four juniors and four sophomores. Seiler said the team enjoyed great contributions from the entire team, but he was especially pleased with the way his seniors led the team.

The offense ran through Zoey Ammon, who tallied 58 set ups.

“Zoey set up wonderfully. Just about all our kills came on her assists,” Seiler said.

Olivia Hesse led the offense with 21 kills. She also had six blocks and 12 service points. Olivia Sovitch led the team with eight aces and 15 service points. She also had 10 kills. On defense, Payton Cole led Saline with 24 digs. She also had five aces.

“I’m very happy with the way our seniors played today,” Seiler said.

Junior Madison Whitfield was a force at the net with 11 blocks. She also had 10 kills.

Sophomore Olivia Vance had 16 kills. Junior Emily Finkbeiner had 11 digs.

The Saline Post 3 Stars

Olivia Hesse – Led the team in kills, was terrific at the service line and also helped Madison Whitfield give Saline a formidable presence at the net. Like Hesse, Olivia Sovitch also had a terrific all around game.
Zoey Ammon – Was nearly flawless in the service game. She recorded 58 assists.
Payton Cole – Was the rock on defense and also had a strong day at the service line.