The Brandon volleyball team’s Jan. 23 matchup against Lapeer West served as a microcosm for the Blackhawks? season so far.
While the Blackhawks played the Panthers tough, it was Lapeer West that stepped up down the stretch for the win, defeating Brandon 21-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-20, 15-8. The loss dropped Brandon to 0-6 in the Flint Metro League.
Savannah Stedman stepped up with 25 kills and eight blocks, while Jacqueline Back set up her teammates with 14-of-14 serving, 41 assists, and 14 digs. Lynsey Crain was 19-of-19 serving and 15 digs.
Two days earlier, the host Blackhawks went 0-5 in the Brandon Tournament. North Branch won the tournament, going 5-0-1 on the day and defeating Royal Oak Dondero 25-19, 25-23 in the tournament final.
Brandon coach Brian Williams said he is frustrated the Blackhawks haven’t been able to finish off their opponents this season.
‘We’re in every single game,? he said. ‘We’re looking for players to step up during crunch time. The kids are working hard and lifting weights. We need to continue to develop our passing and our overall defense. Our attacking and hitting are among the best in the league, and our setting is getting better. We’re just having problems with consistency.?
Among the bright spots for the Blackhawks, Williams said, have been Sandra Oliver, who leads the team defensively and has been ‘steady all year?; Back, who has set up her teammates well and taken on more of a leadership role; and Stedman, who leads the Blackhawks in kills and blocks.
In addition, Williams said seniors Janet Soave, Katie Flood, and Stephenie Manning ‘are doing a nice job of leading the team through practice.?