TRAVERSE CITY — The state tournament dream ended for Marquette on Thursday night when Traverse City Central prevailed over the Redettes in three close sets in the MHSAA Division 1 district championship match played at Traverse City Central High School.

The Trojans prevailed 25-22, 26-24, 25-22 to advance to a regional semifinal match to be played Tuesday evening at Gaylord High School against Mount Pleasant, which won the Midland district in a 3-0 victory over Midland Dow on Thursday.

Coach Ann Crandell-Williams watched her Marquette team finish a 40-5-3 season.

“Of course we really wanted that one,” she said in an email. “The girls had some great moments tonight, but weren’t firing on all cylinders consistently enough. We had the momentum a few times and then just couldn’t sustain it.

“It hurt us a bit that we didn’t really see this level of competition this year until districts. They were a strong team and the better team tonight.

“Our girls had a fantastic season and our coaches, parents and community members are really proud of them. They are incredibly talented and the way they could run the fast offense made them really entertaining to watch.

“Most importantly, we all had a ton of fun this season. I’m very sad it’s over and I’m going to miss not seeing these girls every day.”

Statistically, sophomore Seiler Hruska led the Redettes’ offense with 10 kills as she added seven digs and an ace. Maria Millado was next in kills with eight while contributing five solo and a total of six blocks to go with a team-high 10 digs.

Aspen Michelin made seven digs, two blocks and three kills, while Maiya King had four of her team’s seven service aces to go with two kills and three digs.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.