Both Brandon and Goodrich’s varsity volleyball teams split the difference at the annual Goodrich Early Bird Tournament Dec. 17.
The Blackhawks went 1-1-2 on the day, while the host Martians went 2-2-2. Imlay City defeated North Branch in the finals of the tournament.
The action got underway at 8 a.m. that day, with 20 teams participating. The teams were divided into five pools of four teams each, with three pools competing at Goodrich High School (including one in the auxiliary gym) and two at Goodrich Middle School.
Brandon finished second out of four teams in Pool B at the invite, competing at Goodrich Middle School. The Blackhawks defeated Durand 25-12, 25-17, then split with Armada 14-25, 25-12 and perennial powerhouse Port Huron Northern 25-21, 22-25.
The Blackhawks (4-4-2) then advanced to the first round of the playoffs, where they lost to Romeo 25-22, 19-25, 6-15.
‘I am pleased with our progress, as our passing and hitting was much improved this past weekend,? Brandon coach Brian Williams said. ‘The girls area really starting to step up and find their roles on the team.?
Middle hitter Savannah Stedman had 35 kills in 70 attempts for the Blackhawks, and added 13 blocks. Katrina Hibbs chipped in with 39 assists and five aces, while outside hitter Sandra Oliver had 23 digs, nine aces and eight kills and Brittany Kelley contributed 14 aces.
Meanwhile, the Martians competed in Pool D at Goodrich High School with Cheboygan, Holly and Richmond. Goodrich defeated Richmond 25-23, 23-13, and split with Holly 25-18, 18-25 and Cheboygan 25-15, 15-25 earning first place in their pool
The Martians then advanced to the playoffs, defeating Almont in the first round of bracket play 25-16, 25-22. Goodrich then advanced to the championship bracket as the seventh seed, losing to Port Huron Northern 13-25, 12-25.
The following is a list of how Goodrich players fared individually in the tournament:
‘Tara Garman ? Serving: 26/35, 17 Aces, Digs: 20, Passing 26/29, Attacks: 88/103, Kills: 44, Blocks: 17.
‘Katie Birch ? Serving: 28/29, 1 Ace, Digs: 28, Passing 48/55, Attacks: 59/69, Kills: 19, Blocks: 1.
‘Alyssa Bertrand ? Serving: 43/44, 8 Aces, Digs: 14, Sets: 179/181, Assists: 61, Attacks: 33/35, Kills: 10.
‘Sarah Sweet ? Serving: 27/29, 3 Aces, Digs: 47, Passing: 27/31, Attacks: 17/20, Kills: 2.
‘Nancy Van Vlack ‘Serving: 25/28, 1 Ace, Digs: 8, Passing: 17/21, Attacks: 6/8.
‘Brittany Tiedeman ? Serving: 13/15, 2 Aces, Digs: 14, Passing: 18/20, Attacks: 9/9, Kills: 2.
‘Alicia Kushuba ? Serving: 9/11, 2 Aces, Digs: 4, Passing: 7/7, Attacks: 11/12, Kills: 4.
‘Renee Bell ? Digs: 11, Passing: 11/13.
‘Ashley Short ? Digs: 9, Passing: 12/15.
Goodrich now has a tournament record of 6-4 (games played) and an overall record of 1-1-2 (match play).