Volleyball: Varsity Chemics take out Chargers

by

The Midland High varsity volleyball team continued its winning ways Tuesday, defeating the visiting Midland Dow Chargers 25-12, 23-25, 25-21, and 25-19.

Just three days after Midland defeated Dow in the championship game of the Dow Invitational, the Chemics came out firing on all cylinders. Coming into the match with a 14-1 record, Midland easily dispatched the Chargers 25-12 in the first game.

But Dow fought right back in the second game, keeping the score close and eventually winning the set 25-23.

“I think we had to refocus on our serve and put the serve in play,” said Chemics’ coach Tim Zerull. “We just needed to settle down and make consistent things happen on our side. I thought we were in a hurry to do things. We rushed our attack. You make those mistakes and all of a sudden Dow is in the match.”

Dow stayed in the match for the rest of the evening, racking up points and maintaining a close score. In the end, though, the Chemics’ offense overpowered the Chargers and Midland High walked away with a hard-fought victory.

“I think we were trying too hard in a way,” Zerull said. “I give Dow credit. They were digging everything we hit at them and keeping balls alive. Give them credit for coming back after the first game.”

Lindsey Dulude had 26 kills, six service aces, three block kills, and three digs for the Chemics, while Amy Langhorst had six kills, seven service aces, and three digs.

For the Chargers, Shannon Hellebuyck had six kills, four blocks, and 18 digs. Taryn McGrew had six kills and six blocks, while Ericka Bobalek added five kills and 12 blocks. Kaity McGrew had 19 assists and seven digs in the match.

The Chargers drop to 10-6 but hope to turn things around Saturday at the Williamston Invitational. Meanwhile, the Chemics will head to Arthur Hill Thursday for a league match against the Lumberjacks.

JV Chargers roll

The Midland Dow junior varsity volleyball team defeated the Midland High Chemics Tuesday, winning 25-9 and 25-11.

The Chargers dominated play from the onset, allowing only 20 points in the match. Things looked rough right away for the Chemics, and only got worse as the night progressed.

The Chargers took the first set easily, and used that momentum to put away Midland High with a second straight set victory.

“You never know what to expect when it’s Midland High and Dow,” said Dow co-head coach Jim Parker. “Tonight we received their serve and their attack real well, and we passed the ball extremely well.”

Erika Lee had five kills and 11 service points for Dow. Jaclyn Thornton had six kills, and Kristin Mills added another six kills. Alyssa Rodammer had 17 service points and Jamie Sanderson had 18 assists in the match.

Parker also credits Kayla Striker for helping push the team past the Chemics.

“There’s not a lot of stats to show for it, but every loose ball she managed to get to,” he said.

Up next, the Chargers will participate in the Fenton JV invitational at 9 a.m. on Saturday, while the Chemics head to Arthur Hill Thursday. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

For more photos from Tuesday’s game, click on “Photo Slideshow” in the top right corner of this article.

Photos by Adam Baudoux