GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Braves returned to the semifinals in the “Rock” Invitational volleyball tournament here Saturday, but fell short in their attempt to advance.

Once they got to the semifinals, the Braves dropped a 25-18, 25-16 decision to the Hancock Bulldogs.

“I thought we played well,” Braves’ coach Kaitlyn Hardwick said. “It was a long day. The girls got tired.”

Forest Park was crowned champion for the first time in this tournament after taking a 25-17, 25-17 decision from the Bulldogs.

“The girls were definitely motivated,” Forest Park coach Bobbie Jo Anderson said following the team’s second appearance at the tournament. “This was great for building our confidence. This showed what we’re capable of doing. I just think we have a lot of weapons. Defensively, we’re covering the floor better.”

Hancock led 12-8 in the second set before the Trojans got a side out when senior Elsie Williams recorded a kill through a double block.

Forest Park tied the score at 13 on a net violation by the Bulldogs.

A kill by senior Ava Fischer, the Trojans’ player of the day, gave them a 15-14 lead on a kill.

Hancock was still within 17-15 following a hitting miscue before back-to-back kills by Fischer helped the Trojans atone for that and take a four-point lead.

A block by sophomore Azura Aho brought the Bulldogs within 19-16 before the Trojans began to pull away.

“Ava played club volleyball in Green Bay this summer,” Anderson said. “She’s heck of an athlete.”

Hancock got within 21-17 in the first set on a kill by sophomore Romey Koskela before kills by sophomore Evie Anderson and Willams helped the Trojans secure the decision.

Before reaching the finals, Forest Park defeated Gladstone 25-18, 25-8; Westwood, 25-16, 25-9; Carney-Nadeau 25-16, 25-15; and Iron Mountain 25-7, 25-9.

Iron Mountain lost to Hancock, but defeated Manistique and tied Gwinn.