Brandon’s varsity volleyball team hung tough in district semifinal action Mar. 4 against North Branch.
However, in the end, the Broncos pulled away for a 20-25, 12-15, 15-25 victory, ending the Blackhawks? season. Brandon finished with an overall record of 19-19-8.
Sandra Oliver, a two-time team Most Valuable Player and second team Fint Metro League selection, went 15-of-17 hitting with 25 digs, while two-time All Region selection Savannah Stedman added 11 kills and Katrina Hibbs shipped in with 19 assists and 14 digs.
Brittany Kelley and Lindsay Moskal, both Flint Metro League honorable mention selections, also had good showings. Kelley was a perfect 15-15 passing and Moskal added 11 kills.
‘We came out strong against North Branch in all three games,? Brandon coach Brian Williams said. ‘I think it was 8 to 8 at the beginning of each game. Then North Branch was able to pull away. We had some great volleys with them but in the end it came down to serve and serve-receive. We had no aces against them and they had eight against us. It is very tough to beat a great team if you cannot control the serve.?
Williams said the Brandon program came a long way this year and is hopeful about the team’s future.
‘Our five seniors (Jessica Liebner, Andrea Lewis, Kelley, Lynsey Crain, and Oliver) really paved the way for the younger athletes,? he said. ‘Their hard work and dedication has prepared this program to take the next step. If the girls in the volleyball program play other sports, play AAU volleyball, and take advantage of our six sand volleyball courts, we will be in great shape next year to make a run at the league title.?