Salem's Lauren Aschermann gets ready to launch a serve. (photo by John Kemski)

Rocks post huge five-game KLAA
Central victory over Stevenson

  Salem's volleyball team remained in the thick of the KLAA Central division title race Thursday when the Rocks upended host Livonia Stevenson, 24-26, 25-9, 25-16, 23-25 and 15-8.

  The victory boosted the Rocks' division record to 3-1, one game behind first-place Novi.

  "We were very up and down the whole night," said Salem coach Amanda Nies. "We would play well one game and then another way the next. We really need to keep our momentum, something that's been a problem all year.

  "I am glad that we were able to come up on top tonight in five games. That is something we have not been able to do the past couple of matches that went five."

  Nies applauded the performance of senior captain Jillian Sommerville, who was stellar at the net, notching 12 kills and five blocks.

  Nicole Merget was also dangerous around the mesh, netting 20 kills, six blocks and 14 digs.

  Kerry MacDonald ran the offense in spectacular fashion, picking up 43 set assists, five aces and 12 digs.

  Kerstin Johnson shined all around, contributed nine kills, three aces and 15 digs, while Lauren Aschermann dug out 15 potential kills.

  Others making major contributions were Abigail Dworzanin (five kills, two aces and three blocks) and Katie Vincent who chipped in with 10 digs.