Brandon’s varsity volleyball team went .500 at the Grand Blanc Invitational Saturday, Jan. 14, but still won the Silver Division consolation bracket.
Romeo won the tournament with a win against host Grand Blanc. The Blackhawks went 3-3 at the tournament, and now carry an overall record of 8-9-2.
Brandon started out with a narrow loss to West Bloomfield 23-25, 24-26, then bounced back to defeat Detroit Renaissance 25-18, 25-5 before falling to Battle Creek Lakeview 18-25, 18-25.
Brandon then dominated Detroit Henry Ford 25-7, 25-3 before suffering a tough loss to Lapeer West 20-25, 18-25. Brandon closed out the day with a 22-25, 25-8, 15-12 win against Clarkston.
Senior captain Sandra Oliver had 20 aces on only 57 attempts, along with 18 kills, and 30 digs, while senior defensive specialist Brittany Kelley was a perfect 31 of 31 passing, with 20 digs and 19 aces. Junior middle hitter Savannah Stedman had 47 kills on only 92 attempts, 13 blocks, and 23 digs.
‘Overall I thought we could have competed better in the Grand Blanc Invitational,? Brandon coach Brian Williams said. ‘I was very disappointed in the loss to Lapeer West. They played well and we just backed off and let them win. We still have a lot of work to do to be able to compete in the Flint Metro League.?
However, Williams said he was pleased the Blackhawks were able to bounce back to defeat Clarkston for the Silver consolation championship.
‘Our defense stepped up, which enabled our offense to control the game,? he said.
Brandon broke through in the win column in the Flint Metro League Thursday, Jan. 12, defeating Linden 25-21, 25-18, 25-23. The Blackhawks are now 1-2 in the league.
Junior setter Katrina Hibbs was 68-69 setting with 21 assists, while Stedman 18 kills, 4 blocks, and 6 digs. Junior middle hitter Lindsay Moskal added 6 kills.