Clarkston Falls to Birmingham Marian in State Semifinals.

Written Friday January 15th at 7:00 PM

In a volleyball match that could had gone either way the Wolves could not overcome the emotional mindset of Birmingham Marian on Friday night with the Mustangs winning a 22-25, 25-18, 11-25, 25-21, 15-11 in the Division One District Semifinals at the Kellogg Center in Battle Creek.

Birmingham Marian was playing this match without their athletic director Dave Feldman whom passed away from COVID-19 on Thursday.

Before the match there was a moment of silence honoring Feldman's legacy at Birmingham Marian.

This was Clarkston's first trip to Battle Creek since 2011 when they fell to Lake Orion in four sets.

This match lived up to all the expectations. It went back and forth and each star player made an impact on the game.

The Wolves played probably their best set of the season in the third set with everything clicking on all cylinders winning 25-11 but Clarkston could not maintain it the rest of the way. 

There were times that the Mustangs looked dominant but at times they couldn't maintain it.

Claire Nowicki had 22 kills and 18 digs, while Paige Giehtbrock had 13 kills and 18 digs, Skylar Judas had 23 digs, Shay Bordline had 35 assists, and Sydney Hasenfratz had nine kills and six blocks for the Wolves.

I thought Clarkston played much better than they did against Grand Blanc in the quarterfinals despite falling in this match. The Wolves lose four seniors next season but Giehtbrock and Judas are back. Knowing Coach Kelly Pinner they will be back.