By John Vrancic

For the Daily Press

GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Braves returned to the semifinals in the ‘Rock’ Invitational volleyball tournament here Saturday, but fell short in their attempt to advance.

Once they got to the semifinals, the Braves dropped a 25-18, 25-16 decision to the Hancock Bulldogs.

“I thought we played well,” Braves’ coach Kaitlyn Hardwick said. “It was a long day. The girls got tired.”

Crystal Falls Forest Park was crowned champion for the first time in this tournament after taking a 25-17, 25-17 decision from the Bulldogs.

“The girls were definitely motivated,” Forest Park coach Bobbie Jo Anderson said following the team’s second appearance at the ‘Rock.’ “This was great for building our confidence. This showed what we’re capable of doing. I just think we have a lot of weapons. Defensively, we’re covering the floor better.”

Hancock led 12-8 in the second set before the Trojans got a side out when senior Elsie Williams recorded a kill through a double block.

Forest Park tied the score at 13 on a net violation by the Bulldogs.

A kill by senior Ava Fischer, the Trojans’ player of the day, gave them a 15-14 lead on a kill.

Hancock was still within 17-15 following a hitting miscue before back-to-back kills by Fischer helped the Trojans atone for that and take a four-point lead.

A block by sophomore Azura Aho brought the Bulldogs within 19-16 before the Trojans began to pull away.

“Ava played club volleyball in Green Bay this summer,” Anderson said. “She’s heck of an athlete.”

Hancock got within 21-17 in the first set on a kill by sophomore Romey Koskela before kills by sophomore Evie Anderson and Willams helped the Trojans secure the decision.

In the semifinals, a five-point service run by senior Lilly Johnson helped the Braves pull within 21-15 in the second set, but were then foiled by a passing error.

“We were hopeful at that point,” Hardwick said. “I’m glad all the teams were here. That made for good competition.”

The Braves were within 7-5 after senior Addy Blowers pushed the ball over the net for a kill and trailed only 10-7 following a kill by junior Brooklyn Lauscher.

“I think every team had the ability to win this tournament,” Blowers said. “The teams were evenly matched. We played them (Hancock) at Kingsford. They have some good players. We were pretty tired, but I think our program is taking off this year.”

Hancock then began to pull away, pushing its advantage to 21-9 on a passing miscue.

In pool play, the Braves bowed to Forest Park (25-18, 25-8) then defeated Ishpeming Westwood (25-19, 25-23) and Carney-Nadeau (25-19, 25-17).

Senior Elodie Lenca led C-N with four aces, 16 kills and 14 digs. Freshman Kenna Thiry recorded seven aces, five kills and 10 digs. Junior setter Paige Jardeen, who collected 26 assists and 11 digs. Senior Meadow Walcher added two aces, four kills and 12 digs and eighth-grader Jenah Ernest had three kills and six digs.

The Wolves fell to Forest Park (25-16, 25-14) and Gladstone (25-19, 25-17) and split with Westwood (20-25, 25-17).

Manistique defeated Gwinn (25-16, 25-13), split with Hancock (25-23, 20-25) and fell to Iron Mountain (27-25, 25-21).