MANISTIQUE — A valiant effort came up a little short for the Manistique Emeralds here Tuesday night as they dropped a 3-2 (25-19, 18-25, 25-23, 8-25, 19-17) volleyball decision to the Negaunee Miners.

“It was back and forth all night long,” said Emeralds’ coach Amy Nixon. “We were playing very well in the fourth set. Our communication was good. Our offense was real strong. We were passing and hitting well and got some nice kills.

” I think they started trying to tip the ball and find some holes in the fifth set. They tried to control the ball enough for us to make a mistake.”

Kayla Muth led the Emeralds with 18 kills and 10 blocks. Ella Schuetter added 13 kills and four blocks. Emma Jones collected 32 assists. Madison Zeller tallied 24 digs and Delaney Zellar and Brooke Richey had 13 apiece.

“I’m pleased with the effort,” said Nixon. “I want to recognize our seniors for their leadership in a tight match. Their leadership showed with a very young team around them.”

The Emeralds, who won the jayvee match (25-16, 25-13), travel to Gwinn Tuesday.

Manistique — Jones (three aces, 32 assists); Muth (18 kills, 10 blocks); Schuetter (13 kills, four blocks); M. Zellar (24 digs); D. Zellar (13 digs); Richey (13 digs).