Brandon’s varsity volleyball team started off strong but quickly found themselves in a hole against the host Holly Bronchos Monday, Jan. 8.
The end result was Brandon’s first loss of the season in Flint Metro League play. The Bronchos defeated the Blackhawks 25-22, 28-30, 28-30, 26-28, 25-4.
Brandon is now 3-5 overall and 1-1 in Flint Metro League play.
‘This was a very tough loss for us,? Brandon coach Brian Williams said. ‘We did not play with much toughness in the end. Holly stepped up their games and we did not respond. We missed several game point serves and struggled passing the ball. I think the Flint Metro League is very strong this year and we have a lot of work to do to be competitive in it.?
Senior Savannah Stedman had a solid all-around game for the Blackhawks, going 20-for-22 serving with six aces and 17-for-19 passing to go along with 14 kills, five solo blocks and 10 digs. In addition, junior Angie Brooks went 8-for-9 hitting and had two blocks.
The Blackhawks opened their league season four days earlier with a win against visiting Linden. In a match that was delayed twice because of power failures, the Blackhawks defeated the Eagles 25-23, 25-12, 19-25, 20-25, 15-5.
The matchup was the first in three weeks for the Blackhawks, and they started off on the right foot before experiencing a few speed bumps in the middle of the match.
‘The team was moving well and playing with confidence,? Williams said. ‘Then we started to let up in games three and four and Linden started to play great defense. I was proud of how our team responded in game five for the win.?
Senior Lindsay Moskal, a three-year varsity starter, had a good all around game for the Blackhawks, going 29-for-31 serving, with 18 digs, eight kills and three digs. Senior captain Alyssa Tierney, handling the Libero duties, contributed 15 digs and three aces, while Stedman had a solid game with 23 kills, seven digs, four blocks and three aces.
The Blackhawks were scheduled to take part in the Grand Blanc Invitational Saturday, Jan. 13. They are scheduled to return home Saturday, Jan. 20 to host the Brandon Invitational, with the starting time to be determined.