By Sean Budlong
The 2016 season has been both a success and a learning experience for the Schoolcraft volleyball team. The Eagles enter the final week of the regular season 11-1 in league play. The team’s lone setback was a five set loss to Kalamazoo Christian. Paired with an impressive championship at the Laingsburg Invitational, the young Eagles have had a solid season.
Schoolcraft has been led on the net by senior Madi Hybels, sophomore Kelsey Feddema and freshman Andelyn Simkins. When this trio is able to get up and block the opposing hitter, the Eagles have dominated matches. The defensive play also has opened up the court for the attack, and Simkins has led the team in kills throughout the season. The aggressive net play was especially critical at Laingsburg as the Eagles beat two Class A teams to win.
The team’s struggles have come against top competition or when forced to play from behind. The Eagles took a two-set lead against K Christian, but Schoolcraft lost their momentum after a lineup change.
Schoolcraft plays a final league match against Gobles prior to the SAC tournament where they hope to face Kalamazoo Christian again. Last season, the Eagles beat K Christian in the tournament championship after dropping the regular season match. The playoffs were to begin Oct. 31, when Schoolcraft faced Lawton at White Pigeon High School.