Brethren takes third in WMD tourney
BRETHREN — The Brethren volleyball team placed third in
the West Michigan D League tournament on Saturday.
Mason County Eastern, who entered the day with an
undefeated league record, clinched the title outright by defeating Big
Rapids Crossroads Charter Academy in the championship match.
Bear Lake placed fourth while Manistee Catholic Central
and Onekama ended the double elimination tournament in the middle of the
pack. The Sabers went 2-2 on the day while Onekama was 1-2.
“We did really well,” said Brethren coach Rachel
Edmondson. “I know by the end, everyone was kind of going on fumes, but
I thought the girls did a great job. I’m really, really happy with where
we ended up.”
The Bobcats started the day off with a 25-23, 25-13
victory over MCC before being knocked down to the losers bracket by CCA
in their second match of the day.
The Bobcats climbed their way back with wins over county
rivals Onekama and Bear Lake before falling just short in three sets to
the Cougars again.
Though Brethren fell just short of a chance at MCE in the
championship, Edmondson was pleased with the outcome which was one the
Bobcats haven’t achieved in recent years.
“We’ve come a long way this season,” she said. “Some of
the girls were upset we didn’t get second or first, but I had to remind
them, ‘Hey, hold your head up high because it’s been a long time since
Brethren has seen third in conference.’ Now we’re headed off to
districts, so we need to take this and keep going. |
“I keep reminding the girls they’re the foundation of a
program that’s turning itself around. This was a big step. It’s going to
keep moving and growing.”
Bear Lake topped two of three county rivals en route to
fourth place. The Lakers beat the Sabers 25-20, 25-22 and topped the
Portagers 25-18, 25-22.
After its initial 25-23, 25-13 loss to Brethren, MCC won
two straight with wins against Pentwater (25-21, 25-18) and Walkerville
(20-25, 25-21, 15-13). Saber senior Mimi Modjeski led the team on the
day with seven aces, 18 kills, 18 digs, three assists and a block.
For Onekama, a shortened lineup due to injuries led to a
pair of losses to county foes but the Portagers were able to take care
of business in a 25-23, 25-8 win over Baldwin.
“I think we kind of had a problem in the morning, just
kind of waking up and getting ready really quickly to play volleyball,”
said Onekama coach Sherri Slater. “We were missing a few people as well.
I think it affected some things.”
Report from Manistee News Advocate on-line
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