By Mark Blentlinger
With longtime Eagle Volleyball Coach Erin Onken taking a new position at Portage Northern, Schoolcraft was on the lookout for new leadership.
The 2021-22 season started with Jill Bisset at the helm. Early in the season she decided not to continue. Christina Duchene, who led the freshman team last season, stepped up to lead both varsity and junior varsity teams.
The Eagles faced off against Kalamazoo Christian September 28 at Schoolcraft High School. The Comets are presently ranked 4th in the state. The Eagles took them into a fifth game where they fell short by 5. Duchene said the team played great, and is planning on seeing the Comets again in the districts. Presently, the Eagles are 3-1 in conference play. The coach talked about some of the key players that are helping the Eagles on the court:
Junior Heidi Sheen, a middle hitter in three conference games has 31 kills, eight serving aces and nine blocks. She is a force on the floor, is very coachable, is powerful in the middle and hits the ball extremely hard. Junior Abbi Curtis plays as a defensive specialist and left side outside hitter. She is very court-smart and is all over defensively. Curtis has 23 kills, 47 digs and 7 aces. Duchene can count on her to communicate very well on the court. Senior Sophie Ridge is the team’s libero. She is a captain and an excellent passer. She has 54 digs and 7 served aces. Senior Allie Walther is an outside hitter, has 18 kills and 6 blocks. She gives 110 percent every time, Sheen said.
The Eagles will travel to Galesburg Augusta October 5 to take on the Rams.