After a slow start to the season, the Brandon volleyball team is gaining confidence.
The Blackhawks followed up a second-place finish at the Owosso Tournament Jan. 31 by defeating Flint Metro League rival Oxford on the Wildcats? home court Feb. 2.
Brandon earned a 7-15, 15-13, 15-12 win, improving to 12-20-3 overall and 3-4 in league play.
Jessica Wise led the Blackhawks with seven kills, while Nicole Bildson added five. Savannah Stedman had six blocks and three kills, and Sandra Oliver contributed 10 service points and five digs.
‘I was really proud of them,? Coach Kim Rackel said. ‘They’ve played some of the best volleyball I’ve seen them play all season.?
In the Owosso Tournament, the Blackhawks defeated host Owosso in quarterfinal action 15-7, 15-12. They moved to defeat Fowlerville in the semifinals 4-15, 15-9, 15-13 before losing to Marysville in the finals 1-15, 6-15.
Rackel said Oliver and Brittany Kelley played ‘exceptional defense all day,? while praising Stedman and Mallory Martin for their offensive efforts.
In particular, Rackel said Stedman and Martin faced a significant challenge from Fowlerville, which had two girls over 6?1?. While Stedman matched up with them from a height standpoint, Martin did not. However, Rackel said the two rose to the occasion against Fowlerville.
This season, the Blackhawks have inserted a number of younger players into their lineup, including Stedman, a freshman, and sophomores Kelley, Oliver and Jessica Liebner.
‘We have some experienced players around them,? Rackel said. ‘We’re starting to understand how much effort goes into winning matches.?
The Blackhawks resume play today when they host Lapeer West at 7 p.m.