Gaylord volleyball honors cancer fighters during Pink Out match

GAYLORD — The Gaylord volleyball team wanted to win its match on Thursday, Oct. 15, just as much as any of the 21 matches that came before. However, Thursday's match carried with it a bit more meaning than a win or a loss.

The Blue Devils hosted their Pink Out breast cancer awareness game against Traverse City Central, taking time to honor two members of the Gaylord community: Gina DeForge, the wife of local sports photographer Rob DeForge, who is facing a recent diagnosis, and Sheryl Florian, a teacher and four-year breast cancer survivor.

"I love what we were able to give back to our community," coach Kennedy Hignite said. "The girls, it meant so much to them and I know the people in the community that they supported, it meant a lot to them too. I think it's a good way to bring people together that you don't get if you just continue to live your life. Sports give us a really incredible opportunity to do that."

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Gaylord (3-18-1) was frustrated by a talented Traverse City Central (23-2-1) again, falling in straight sets (25-13, 25-18, 25-12) to the leaders in the Big North Conference. The losses continue to frustrate their leaders, but it was hard to walk off the court frustrated, knowing the good they had done for people that mean so much to the community.

"It's a little frustrating because all of us want to win," senior captain Sarah Klepadlo said. "But that made me really happy. Mrs. Flo is one of the people I'm always talking to every day and I just love that we were able to do this for her and all the people that are fighting cancer."

Gaylord soccer moves on to district semifinals, defeats Sault

The Gaylord soccer team is moving on to the Division 2 district semifinals after defeating the Sault Ste. Marie Blue Devils 3-0 on Wednesday, October 14.

All three goals came in the first half, with freshman Joey Wieczorek, freshman Hudson Viviano and sophomore Gideon Grutsch helping build GHS's 3-0 lead. Some second-half adjustments helped Sault Ste. Marie keep Gaylord scoreless in the second half, but Gaylord's defense limited any chances Sault had at the net.

"We've really started putting the pieces of the puzzle together," coach Brandon Contreras said. "I think we've got how we want to play pretty locked down, where everybody wants to play and everything like that, so I'm feeling very good going into this next round."

Gaylord (8-8-3) advances to a semifinal matchup at Marquette (10-6-3) on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

JoBurg volleyball continues strong play without its star

JoBurg is still finding its way through the season after losing its star Mady Peppin to a knee injury, but it also continuing to find success in Ski Valley Conference matchups, defeating East Jordan 3-1 (25-18, 20-25, 28-26, 25-21) on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Senior Lily Crane and junior Emery Lawes have stepped up as the top offensive options this season, combining for 31 kills against the Red Devils. Freshman GraceLynn Lawes added 11 kills, while junior Emerson Valentine led with 37 assists.