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Thinking positive, the Kalkaska volleyball coach has returning talent for the 2007-08 season. The flipside, is that the 2006-07 playoff run came to an early end.

The Blazers hosted district play Saturday, but were forced to play host from the sidelines early, losing to Suttons Bay 25-21, 25-10 and 25-22.

"Suttons Bay is a very tough team, with a couple big hitters,Ó"Royston said.

Kalkaska dealt with those heavy hitters early, staying within a few points of the Norsemen and in position to take a win in the first game. But Royston said her team was on the losing side of crucial net plays.

"A few net calls changed the momentum of the game," Royston said. "We couldn't catch-up in game one."

Royston said the first loss was evident in her teamÕs effort in the second. ÒIn game two, we were carrying the weight of game one,Ó Royston said. ÒThings just werenÕt going our way.Ó

The third, and deciding game, was similar to the first, with Kalkaska having a real chance of forcing another game and extending its season. However, the Blazers drive stalled just short. Royston said. ÒWe fought back in game three and it was tight all the way.Ó Royston is disappointed the district run was terminated so quickly, but says next yearÕs prospects help cope with SaturdayÕs loss.

ÒLook out for us next year, I promise weÕll be bringing the heat,Ó Royston said. ÒI lose one senior, and returning seven key players for next season.Ó Ê