Millington Volleyball Continues Strong Start With 3-1 Win Over USA

MILLINGTON, Mich. — The Millington Cardinals continued their impressive start to the volleyball season Thursday night, earning a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Unionville-Sebewaing Area Patriots in Big Thumb Conference action.

Millington came out strong in the opening set, taking control early and claiming a 25-17 victory. USA responded in the second set, battling back to even the match with a 25-22 win.

With the match tied at one set apiece, the Cardinals regained their momentum in the third. Millington pulled away for a convincing 25-13 victory, putting the Cardinals one set away from closing out the match.

USA refused to go quietly in the fourth set. The Patriots pushed Millington throughout the frame, but the Cardinals held their composure down the stretch and secured a 25-23 win to finish off the 3-1 match victory.

Ehrmantraut Leads Cardinals

Carly Ehrmantraut delivered an outstanding all-around performance for Millington, leading the Cardinals with 15 kills while also recording 11 digs, two aces and two blocks.

Kallie Stevens contributed seven kills and 12 digs while adding two aces, while Brooklyn Barden finished with five kills and two blocks.

Running the Millington offense was Kate Murray, who recorded 25 assists and added 12 digs. Her work at the net helped keep the Cardinals' attack balanced throughout the four-set match.

At the service line, Lyla Wagner added two aces.

Defensively, Grace Ehrmantraut led all Millington players with an impressive 26 digs, helping the Cardinals keep rallies alive and limit USA's opportunities to extend the match.

Cardinals Keep Rolling

The victory improves Millington to 9-2 overall and 2-0 in Big Thumb Conference play, continuing what has been a strong opening stretch for the Cardinals.

The match also showed Millington's ability to respond to adversity. After dropping the second set, the Cardinals answered by winning the next two sets and finishing the match strong when USA made a late push in the fourth.

Millington will look to keep that momentum going Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Cardinals travel to the Marlette Invitational. According to Millington's athletic schedule, tournament play is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

With a 9-2 record and a perfect 2-0 mark in conference play, Millington enters the tournament riding plenty of momentum.