Manistique senior Alexis McDade (13) units up senior Leah Goudreau (Four) for a possible kill try throughout the third set of an MHSAA Division Three regional semifinal volleyball match in opposition to Calumet on Nov. 12, 2024 in Gwinn Excessive Faculty. (Caden Sierra/Mining Journal)
GWINN – The Higher Peninsula rankings revealed the problem going through the Manistique Excessive Faculty volleyball crew within the MHSAA Division Three regional semifinal in opposition to Calumet.
And the Copper Kings proved why they had been the No. 1 in UP for many of the season with a three-set sweep at Gwinn Excessive Faculty on Tuesday evening, successful 25-17, 25-18, 25-5.
Calumet, now listed by the MHSAA with a 29-Four-2 file, superior to in the present day's regional ultimate at 6 p.m. in opposition to Traverse Metropolis St. Francis in a match moved from St. Ignace initially scheduled at Sault Ste. Marie Excessive Faculty.
The Copper Kings took management early on in opposition to the Emeralds, who end at 15-12-6.
After a district title win over Iron Mountain, Manistique entered the semifinals with a head of steam, however Calumet, ranked fourth within the state to go along with the No. 1 seed amongst UP Divisions 1-Three groups, rapidly revealed the ability.
Copper Kings head coach Kate Bonacorsi famous her crew's all-around effort, particularly their capacity to settle into their rhythm as the sport progressed.
“I really feel like there have been some uncharacteristic miscommunications early within the first two units.” Bonacorsi stated, “however we had been in a position to management the ball sufficient to tug away and create some area in these two units.
“However within the third set, Jackie Kiilunen had an awesome serve that allowed us to get on the offensive rapidly and put lots of stress on their passers.”
Manistique head coach Amy Nixon mirrored on her crew's journey and the challenges her gamers confronted in opposition to a prime crew like Calumet.
“We knew Calumet was going to be a troublesome crew and so we knew it was going to take our greatest evening for us to hold with them.” she stated. “I assumed within the first two units, we did lots of actually good issues that we might be pleased with and look again on.
“My children have actually executed lots of good issues all season, we beat some groups (when) we had been undersized or tied. And so, we now have lots of good issues to be proud (of).”
Calumet established management early, going up Four-Zero within the opening set. Whereas the Emeralds discovered their toes and tied the rating at 5-5 on a serve by Clara Cunningham, the Copper Kings remained resilient.
With strategic play and a powerful frontline presence led by Kiilunen and Chloe Coppo, Calumet pulled away to take the set.
The second set began with a extra balanced strategy for every crew with an early impasse at Three-Three. Leah Goudreau battled to maintain Manistique inside placing distance, chopping the hole to 6-5.
Nonetheless, Calumet regained management with a mix of sturdy spikes and disciplined protection. The Copper Kings saved their composure, extending their result in 20-15 earlier than closing out the set.
Within the third, Calumet confirmed its depth and poise, leaping out to a shocking 10-Zero lead as Allison Bjorn delivered a collection of back-to-back spikes.
The Copper Kings' dominance continued with key contributions from Grace Keranen, who added essential blocks on Calumet's protection. Regardless of a late push by Manistique, Calumet closed out the set in commanding vogue to wrap up the match.
Trying forward, Bonacorsi touched on the significance of holding the momentum going for the regional ultimate in opposition to St. Francis.
“I imply, it's going to get more durable, proper?” stated Bonacorsi. “(At this time) goes to be a battle and hopefully they'll really feel the boldness and momentum they felt (Tuesday) heading into (the sport).”