By Grayce Rogers, staff reporter
On November 4, 2012, the Girls Varsity Volleyball team made Sturgis history with their state tournament game against Case High School. With Sturgis adding volleyball just three years ago, this game was the first time the volleyball team made it to states. Sturgis ranked 11th out of 12 possible seeds, and Case High School ranked 6th. The Storm lost the game 3-0, but they still put forth a quality game.
Sturgis started out anxiously dealing with the excitement of being at the tournament and the and with nerves to see what they were up against. The girls lost the first set but they would put up a fight for the next two sets.
In the second set, the court lit up with phenomenal kills by Captain Makaila Lyons, who was assisted by Captain Shannon Slater’s sets. The girls were able to pull a lead through the second set, but their effort was not enough to win the set.
The Storm girls approached the court with determination at the start of the third set. Emma Nemes continued her pivotal blocking and Amanda Sullivan’s defense was spot-on in saving many balls for the Storm. Unfortunately, even with the girls’ great efforts they lost the game.
After the game the girls walked off the court with smiles still on their faces. Captain Shannon Slater and senior Kelsi Murphy were spotted crying due to this being their last game of their high school careers. The seniors are certainly leaving footprints behind for future players to fill. The Storm Volleyball team might have lost, but Sturgis, as they have always shown, didn’t go down without a fight.
After the game, Stormwatch staff member Grayce Rogers was able to ask Makaila Lyons a few questions. When asked how she thought her team played at states, she replied, “ We played our game and we went in there thinking we were going to get crushed, but in reality we could’ve won. Even though we didn’t, we focused on what we’ve been working on all year and gave it our best shot. Either way we made history.”
Sturgis started out anxiously dealing with the excitement of being at the tournament and the and with nerves to see what they were up against. The girls lost the first set but they would put up a fight for the next two sets.
In the second set, the court lit up with phenomenal kills by Captain Makaila Lyons, who was assisted by Captain Shannon Slater’s sets. The girls were able to pull a lead through the second set, but their effort was not enough to win the set.
The Storm girls approached the court with determination at the start of the third set. Emma Nemes continued her pivotal blocking and Amanda Sullivan’s defense was spot-on in saving many balls for the Storm. Unfortunately, even with the girls’ great efforts they lost the game.
After the game the girls walked off the court with smiles still on their faces. Captain Shannon Slater and senior Kelsi Murphy were spotted crying due to this being their last game of their high school careers. The seniors are certainly leaving footprints behind for future players to fill. The Storm Volleyball team might have lost, but Sturgis, as they have always shown, didn’t go down without a fight.
After the game, Stormwatch staff member Grayce Rogers was able to ask Makaila Lyons a few questions. When asked how she thought her team played at states, she replied, “ We played our game and we went in there thinking we were going to get crushed, but in reality we could’ve won. Even though we didn’t, we focused on what we’ve been working on all year and gave it our best shot. Either way we made history.”
Reflecting on this season, she said, “ The team as a whole, I’m impressed, we’ve progressed a lot I think, but I’m so proud of the fact we made it to states. I’ve seen everyone improve, even if it’s in a small way, it was great to see the end result.” Lyons, a junior, is also looking forward to next season. She explained, “ I’m really hoping we can make it to States again and go even farther if possible. It would be amazing. I’d love to improve on things we didn’t get a chance to as much as we wanted this year as well.”
Sturgis Storm Volleyball have made their mark not only at Sturgis but also in the state tournament. Congratulations girls and good luck next season!
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