Red Hawk volleyball achievements soared above win/loss results this week in a phenomenal and invaluable fundraising event for the community. Varsity volleyball went 8-2 this past week, while completing the second round of the OK Gold Tournament on October 19, and competing Saturday, October 23, at the Hesperia Panther Volley Against Violence tournament. However the limelight belonged to the CommUNITY Against Cancer event hosted on October 20, as the predominant and heartfelt victory.
Competition began last week Tuesday, October 19, when the team traveled to Thornapple Kellogg, dropping the match in three sets (22-25;16-25;24-26) while JV and Freshman recorded victories (JV 25-9;25-17; Freshman 25-15;25-14).
On Wednesday, October 20, the volleyball program hosted Central Montcalm, Greeenville, and Shelby for a rewarding CommUNITY Against Cancer awareness and fundraiser event.
“We are so thankful for all of the community members who rallied together in such a short time to make the event memorable for our Volleyball program, along with raising money for our wonderful community members; the Saboo family and Justin Harnden,” said head coach Ashley Lowing. The night was much bigger than volleyball. A special thank you to all the businesses and individuals who donated to this cause. We could not have realized our goals, recognized and honored all and raised awareness without all of you.”
Varsity began the night beating Central Montcalm (25-19;25-10). In the second match the Lady Red Hawks topped rival Greenville 25-22; 26-24. The final game against a tough Shelby team resulted in a 25-20; 25-21 victory.
On Saturday, October 23, Varsity went undefeated in pool play taking victories over Fremont (25-12; 25-23), Frankfort (25-15; 25-20), Chippewa Hills (25-18;25-11), and Montabella (25-16;25-13). The Lady Red Hawks entered as the number one seed in the Purple/Gold Bracket with a solid win over Tri County in the quarterfinals 25-10; 25-13 before falling to Grant in the semi-finals 17-25;17-25 and finishing 3rd in the tournament.
Senior setter Makenna Outwin and Junior Outside hitter Kennedi Jager were named to the All Tournament team and were stat leaders on the day. Kennedi Jager recorded team leading stats including highest kills at 32, and top three in blocks (5), aces (17), service points (32), digs (15) and serve receptions (26). Setter Makenna Outwin had 71 assists,13 kills,12 aces,35 service points, 11 digs and a block. Alyssa Detweiler had 28 kills 5 digs and a team high 13 blocks. Senior Aaliyah Calkins contributed 15 kills,4 aces, 5 service points,and 20 serve receptions. Libero Brandy Singleton led the defense with 52 serve receptions and 25 digs while also tallying 20 service points, 4 aces and 7 assists. Courtney Page had 10 kills, 2 blocks,7 aces and 22 service points while Aspen Haywood added 7 kills. Junior Setter Madeline Helton recorded 11 assists and 3 service points. Defensive Specialist Josie Kenyon had 8 digs and 16 service receptions and Kaylee Veersma tallied 6 digs and 10 to target serve passes.
The final round of the OK Gold Tournament against Ottawa Hills was Tuesday, October 26 at Cedar Springs. Varsity travels to the Sparta Invite on Saturday, October 30, with Pool Play starting at 9:00am.
