Elsie Williams, center, holds a sign with Ava Fischer — joined by Forest Park teammates and coaches — recognizing Williams’ 1,000th career assist. She reached the mark during the Sacred Heart Academy Irish Invite in Mount Pleasant, where the Trojans reached the semifinals. (Courtesy photo)

Forest Park reached the semifinals of the Sacred Heart Academy Irish Invite in Mount Pleasant, winning five volleyball matches Saturday before battling Saginaw Valley Lutheran to three sets and bowing out.

“It was a great day of building confidence and competing hard,” said head coach Bobbie Anderson.

In pool play, the Trojans faced Saginaw Valley Lutheran (Division 3), winning 25-19, 25-22; Carson City Crystal (Division 4), winning 25-3, 25-19; and Grayling (Division 2), winning 25-14, 25-7. Forest Park earned the No. 2 overall seed in its bracket.

The Trojans opened bracket play with a win over Alma (Division 2), 25-15, 25-12, before meeting Saginaw Valley Lutheran again in the semifinals and falling 21-25, 25-22, 9-15.

“Overall, it was an awesome experience for our girls,” Anderson said. “We faced strong competition and proved to ourselves–and others–that this team has tremendous potential, heart, and fight. Everyone stepped up into their new roles, and our leaders, Ava Fischer and Elsie Williams, continue to guide our younger players with skill and poise.”

During the tournament, Williams reached her 1,000th career assist.

“She works harder than anyone, runs our offense with confidence, and is also one of our strongest defenders,” Anderson said. “She truly deserves this recognition. We are excited for what lies ahead this season and can’t wait to see what this group will accomplish together.”

Forest Park stats:

Elsie Williams-11 kills, 52 assists, 4 blocks, 41 digs, 2 aces

Harper Anderson- 15 kills, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 26 digs, 8 aces

Evie Anderson- 10 kills, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 26 digs

Ava Fischer- 45 kills, 2 blocks, 38 digs, 5 aces

Lily Curnow- 15 digs, 7 aces

Tessa Bartoszek- 8 kills, 9 assists, 4 digs

Josie Anderson- 15 kills, 3 blocks, 4 digs, 1 ace

Haven VanSickle- 5 digs

Kallie Evers-Margoni- 8 digs