The Hancock Bulldogs are all smiles with the Division 4 District 98 trophy Friday in their win over Lake Linden-Hubbell in Hancock. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)

HANCOCK — For the second year in a row, the Hancock Bulldogs volleyball team is district champs on the volleyball court. Friday, they swept the Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes, 3-0, in the Division 4 District 98 championship game, 25-23, 25-19, and 25-23.

“We did not played our best, but we found a way to win,” said Hancock coach Brian Lampaa. “That was key. As well, I liked how we handled their (Lake Linden’s) unconventional style of play.”

The first set was a comeback win for the Bulldogs. The Lakes led by much as five at 9-4 and 10-5. With Krissa Pietila on the line, the Bulldogs got within three at 9-12 and 10-13. However, the Lakes stepped it up and with Payton Goldsworthy on the line they by as much as six at 16-10 and 17-11.

It was then tied at 20 and again at 22 and 23 before the Bulldogs squeaked ahead for the set win.

“To win the first set was key,” Lampaa added. “it set the tone for second set, as it gave us confidence that we could get the job done.”

In the second, the two teams knotted at eight before the Bulldogs pulled out to a 12-9 lead with Lucy Biekkola on the line. The morphed into a 19-16 lead and an eventual set win.

The third set was similar in play as it was knotted at six and seven before the Bulldogs pushed out to a three-point lead at 16-13. The Lakes were not going down easy as they tied it 18. However, with Alice Larson on the line for the Hancock girls the Bulldogs went on to win the race to 25. They won the third set and the match.

Romey Koskela led the Bulldogs with 17 kills. Azura Aho had 11. Chloe Bastian had 37 digs.

Despite the loss, Lakes coach Joslynn Perala said she was very pleased the season. They ended the year at 13-4

“I am super proud of the girls,” she said. “They played great tonight and throughout the season.

Up next

Hancock will travel to L’Anse Tuesday night for a Region 25 semifinal matchup with Crystal Falls Forest Park. The winner will face the winner of Norway and Ishpeming for the regional title Thursday.