Volleyball team tests the waters against difficult opposition
The Rogers City volleyball players traveled to the Delta Invitational Saturday to strengthen their abilities and to see what needs to be done to improve. The teams they played were Class A and Class B teams, but that?s what it takes in order to be ready for the caliber and level of play in the post-season matches. According to assistant coach Mary Fairbanks, who keeps the stats for the Hurons, ?These are pretty tough teams. The girls have a lot to work on over the holidays. They had some great moments and some not-so-great moments.
?It can be tough to play against such high quality teams as Marysville,? Fairbanks said. ?They were the state champions six times and they (Marysville) took first place in this tournament as well.? In pool play, the Hurons had two wins against Bay City John Glenn, 15-11,15-5, with five teams in pool play.
Then the Hurons took on Marysville and lost 1-15 and 2-15, lost in two matches to Shepherd 9-15, 9-15, and were eliminated in the second match 6-15, 7-15. On the day, Lauren Fairbanks had 26 kills, 21 digs, three blocks and one ace serve. Ashley Fleming had 17 kills, 20 digs, two blocks and three ace serves, followed by Megan Hanson?s four kills, 20 digs, 43 set assists and one ace.
Lindsey Fleming had 25 digs and three ace serves, while Megan Grulke had 23 digs and six service aces.
The tournament play puts the Huron record at 3-5-1, a misleading account of their abilities, as they should fare much better in regular play once the season gets under way again Thursday, January 9 when Newberry and Alcona visit the Hurons in home court action.
