Marshall High School

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Marshall Varsity Volleyball put together an impressive championship run Saturday, winning the Cereal City Invitational and finishing the day with a 5-1 overall record. The Redhawks opened pool play with victories over Athens and Clinton before dropping a hard-fought match to Lakeview. Marshall’s performance was enough to advance to the tournament’s Gold Playoff Bracket, where the Redhawks elevated their play when it mattered most. Marshall defeated Harper Creek in the opening round of bracket play before taking down Coldwater to earn a spot in the championship match. Waiting for the Redhawks in the final was a familiar opponent — Lakeview. After falling to Lakeview earlier in the day, Marshall responded with an outstanding performance in the championship match, defeating the Spartans to claim the Cereal City Invitational title. Throughout the tournament, Marshall was tested by high-level competition. Matches featured long rallies, aggressive serving, strong defensive play and hard-driven offensive attacks as the Redhawks battled through six matches on the day. Brynn Johnson led the Marshall offense with an outstanding all-around performance, finishing with 76 kills, 65 digs and eight aces. Claire Kelly added 24 kills and 43 digs, providing another steady presence on both sides of the ball. At the net, Kamryn Wintersteen led Marshall’s blocking effort with seven blocks, while Emma Ladd anchored the back row with a team-high 75 digs. Marshall’s setters directed the offense throughout the tournament, with Addie Carden recording 52 assists and Anna Laditka adding 45 assists. “I am so proud of this team,” Marshall’s head coach said. “They performed under pressure and did what they needed to do in big moments. All of our girls contributed in big ways today, and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of. They work together and for each other at all times. “It was so much fun to watch us compete at a high level and see our communication and determination carry us. This is the first time we’ve won this tournament, and we’ve had some very talented groups in my time at Marshall. I’m one proud coach after today!” The championship capped off a demanding six-match day in which the Redhawks showed their ability to respond to adversity, compete through extended rallies and play their best volleyball during the tournament’s biggest moments.