Hail to the Chiefs!

  It's probably safe to say that Canton's volleyball team is running on all cylinders heading into Thursday night's colossal match against Livonia Churchill.

  The Chiefs brought their "A" game to Saturday's University of Michigan-Dearborn tournament, which they won by registering a 6-0 record, including a 25-21, 25-20 triumph over Plymouth in the championship tilt.

  Canton improved to 8-0 heading into Thursday's 6:30 p.m. showdown at Livonia Churchill. As of Tuesday, the two teams were tied along with Plymouth for first place in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association with 2-0 marks.

  "We had an overall solid day," said Canton coach Mary Kryska. "Defensively, we continued to shine with only three serve-receive errors all day and 278 digs.

  "Our hitting wasn't as aggressive as normal, but we were very smart with our choices. I think a light bulb has turned on for some of the girls now that we have had a chance to get more playing time and they are starting to make good decisions."

  The Chiefs were nearly flawless in pool play, winning all six games they played. They opened with a 25-16, 25-11 win over South Lyon East before ousting Detroit Cass Tech, 25-7, 25-11. Avondale was next on the Chiefs' "hit", falling 25-6, 25-22.

  "In every game in pool play all the players got a lot of playing time," said Kryska. "For some, it gave them he confidence of playing in a varsity tournament for the first time. We were strong with our communication and we were able to try new things to help us grow as a team."

  The Chiefs advanced to the semifinals by beating Avondale for the second time, 26-24, 25-18. They then rolled over Livonia Stevenson, 25-13, 26-24 to force a match-up with the Wildcats.

  Jordan Kielty was the Chiefs' top performer, recording 50 kills, 35 assists and 35 digs. Kristen Muir also excelled, picking up 30 kills and 53 digs.

  Alaina Turner had 15 kills and six blocks.

  Canton rotated three setters on the day: Kielty, Traci Breitmeyer (58 assists) and Jackie Waite, who notched 12 assists.

  Muir led the team with 11 aces. Kielty added 10 and Torry Riley chipped in with nine non-returnable serves.