The Goodrich Girls Volleyball team 39-9-1, continued their march a Michigan High School Athletic Association state title by defeating Marysville at Imlay City on Nov. 13 in three sets, 25-14, 25-16, 27-25, winning the regional championship for the first time in school history.
‘This was the best that we have played all season,? said Head Coach Robyn Batterbee following the game. ‘Our girls were absolutely phenomenal tonight in all aspects of the game. Megan Underwood and Brooke Bloome kept us in a lot of volleys by their undeniable defense. It just doesn’t seem real right now. I knew from day one the talent that this group had and tonight they were able to see for themselves what this talent can do for them.
I am so proud of the way they handled the match from the moment it started. They never let up and kept pounding away. They stayed true to our game plan which was to shut down #14 and force the error on the team as a whole. This is an unbelievable feeling that I hope doesn’t go away for a long time. I am just so happy for our team. They deserve this and more.?
Stats of the game for Goodrich Kristi Doherty – 18/18 serving, 19 assists, seven kills and seven digs; Kamryn Wallace – 15/15 serving, 16 assists, five kills; Abby Francis – 16/16 serving, 11 kills, seven digs, four blocks; and Bethany Schultz – seven kills and four blocks. Prior to Friday’s win, in 2010 the Martians lost in the regional semifinals to Durand.
The winning continued for the Lady Martians on Nov. 17 when they defeated Livonia Ladywood in the state quarterfinals at Clawson High School in four sets, 25-23, 25-22, 25-27, 25-19. It was Coach Batterbee’s 299th career win.
The Martians will now take on Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard Nov. 20 in the MHSAA state semi-final game at Battle Creek Kellogg Arena. The winner will play North Branch vs. Battle Creek Harper Creek winner on Nov. 21 for the state championship.
Stats for the Martians against Livonia: Abby Francis-18/18 serving, 19 kills;Bethany Schultz- 18/18 serving, 10 kills, seven blocks; Kristi Doherty- 13/13 serving, nine kills, eight blocks, 20 assists;Kamryn Wallace- 95 percent serving, five kills, 32 assists;Madison Becker- 14/14 serving, 13 kills and Megan Underwood- 13/13 serving, 22 digs.
‘We played with perseverance and just never gave up,? said Coach Batterbee. ‘I am so excited for this team. Probably the most proud coach ever. They just do what they have to do to get the job done. We did have some mishaps at points throughout the match, but the girls stayed focused and fought to the end. I am just so proud.?