Emma Keeping helped her team take third at the AAU Nationals.
IMLAY CITY — Imlay City’s Emma Keeping, who will be a freshman this fall, helped team Detroit 14 Red net a third-place finish at the AAU Volleyball Nationals recently.
The tournament was contested June 15-18 in Orlando, Florida.
A total of 180 teams competed in the 14U Aspire Division.
For her performance, Emma was named to the All-American squad.
Detroit 14 Red started things off with a 25-12, 25-7 win against WVBA Elite Purple; a 25-6. 25-7 victory over TAV Ro 14 Advantage; and a 25-12, 25-19 triumph against Southern Elite 14s on Wednesday, June 15.
The next day saw them notch a 25-11, 25-15 win over GVA; a 25-3, 25-9 victory against CJV 14 Shelby; and a 24-26, 25-15, 15-8 triumph over EC Power CH-Peake DC.
Detroit 14 Red would collect three more favorable outcomes on Friday, June 17. It was there they posted a 25-16, 25-16 win against COA 14-Vipers; a 25-11, 20-25, 15-5 victory over EC Power Bucks 14-Tidal; and a 25-19, 25-17 triumph against AJV14 Elite.
Later that day, Detroit 14 Red netted a 25-21, 21-25, 15-9 win over Sports Performance 14 C-Fed in a challenge match to go to the Gold Bracket (round of 16).
Detroit 14 Red followed it up Saturday, June 18 with a 22-25, 25-19, 15-13 win against OT 14T Ike and a 25-22, 25-23 quarterfinal victory over Dallas Premier 14 Black.
That set up a semifinal meeting versus Gulfside 14 U Prime. It was there Detroit 14 Red registered a 25-15, 21-25, 15-10 triumph.
She was joined on the third place team by Morgin Parsley, Gracie Kujala, Alex Leggett, Maddie Lock, Maya Pratt, Tessa Taulbee, Maddi Koch and Samantha Los. They were coached by Shilo Pawlak and assistant coach Brandon Parsley.
Kevin Kissane
Kevin Kissane has been covering high school sports for the Tri-City Times since 1985. When not standing on a field or court with his camera and notepad, he enjoys golf, travel and family. Kevin is a 1980 graduate of Capac High School, and is also a grad of St. Clair Community College and earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.
