After Brandon’s varsity volleyball team had a solid showing at their annual invitational, the Blackhawks took a tough loss Monday, Jan. 23.
The Blackhawks lost Jan. 23 to host Clio 18-25, 27-29, 19-25 in Flint Metro League action. Brandon fell to 11-12-3 overall and 2-3 in the league with the loss.
Brandon’s Brittany Kelley was a perfect 11-11 passing with 10 digs, while Savannah Stedman had 18 kills and 2 blocks. Sandra Oliver added 11 digs for the Blackhawks.
‘I was very upset with our performance against Clio,? Brandon coach Brian Williams said. ‘Our defense let too many balls hit the ground. Clio came ready to play and our team did not respond. I am still looking for leaders to step up on the defensive end during crunch time.?
The Blackhawks had a little more success at the 27th annual Brandon Invitational Saturday, Jan. 21. A total of eight teams took part, with Imlay City defeating Warren Woods Tower 25-23, 25-17 in the finals.
Brandon was eliminated in the semifinals at the hands of Warren Woods Tower 25-16, 18-25, 15-5. In the other semifinal, Imlay City defeated Port Huron 25-10, 18-25, 15-8.
Earlier in pool play, the Blackhawks split with Warren Woods Tower 23-25, 27-26; won versus Auburn Hills Avondale 25-15, 25-12; and lost to Port Huron 23-25, 25-27.
The Blackhawks then began tournament play with a 13-25, 25-23, 16-14 win against Jackson, advancing to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Tower.
Stedman had 57 kills, 14 blocks and eight aces for the Blackhawks, while junior middle hitter Lindsay Moskal contributed 16 kills and 11 blocks. Senior libero Lynsey Crain added 32 digs for Brandon.
‘Overall I was satisfied with our performance,? Williams said. ‘I thought we came out sluggish but really played well throughout the day. We lost a very close game to Warren Woods Tower that would have put us in the finals with Imlay City. Warren Woods was very scrappy and picked up everything we hit at them. We had one of our best games of the year with a close win over a very good Jackson team. Our defense came to play in that game.?
On Thursday, Jan. 19, the host Blackhawks earned a league victory against Linden, 25-22, 25-11, 25-23.
Stedman had 20 kills on only 28 attempts, along with two blocks and four digs. Oliver was 15-of-16 serving with four aces and 14 digs, and senior outside hitter Jessica Liebner added three kills and three digs.
‘Everything was clicking versus Linden,? Williams said. ‘Sandra put on another great serving performance while Savannah and Jessica turned it on offensively. We are playing really well at home.?