Sports
Lakeland Volleyball Teams Spike Their Way to a Quick Start
Varsity and JV teams both start 2-0 in divisional play; look for added tournament success.
With game three of the WLAA North season coming up on Friday, the volleyball team is off to a strong start.
The Eagles are 12-3 overall and 2-0 in the division following wins over Walled Lake Northern and Waterford Mott. Lakeland hosts Walled Lake Western Thursday at around 7 p.m. following the junior varsity team’s match with the Warriors.
Lakeland’s three game victory over rival Walled Lake Northern was highlighted on the STATE CHAMPS high school sports show. The Eagles have also defeated Milford and Saline, while losing a close match to Novi in a non-conference quad meet, and performed well in tournaments early in the season.
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Earlier this season Lakeland lost by just two points to Farmington Hills Mercy, one of the top-ranked teams in the state in a tournament at Macomb Dakota High School. That comes as no surprise to head junior varsity volleyball coach and assistant varsity coach Jean Dukic.
“We always have high expectations so this (strong start) isn’t a surprise,” Dukic said. “The girls are bonding well and playing great.”
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Lakeland is led by returning Honorable Mention All-State setter Ciara Schultz and middle hitter Brittany Leonard, who provide leadership and experience. Up front freshman outside hitter Maddie Harris has made her presence felt, providing the Eagles with some added offensive power.
“I think we still want to be able to improve on our consistency,” Dukic said, referring to the need for the Eagles to always play at a high level and not down to its competition. “We can’t lose focus. I think we’re doing a better job of that but we need to work on it.”
Defensively the Eagles have excelled, making a concerted effort to not let balls fall to the ground. Individual players have shown great determination in covering their own areas of the court and taking pride in defensive achievements.
“I’ve seen a noticeable improvement there from last year,” Dukic said.
The junior varsity team has also started off strong, going 18-1, highlighted by a convincing victory over Walled Lake Northern last Thursday. Comprised of five freshman and seven sophomores, the JV Eagles' only loss was in a tournament final to Lake Orion. That squad is captained by setter Amanda Breitenbach and Blair Blaszcak.
