Milford spikers prevail in must-win game

Huron Valley Milford picked up another win in Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) West Division play before playing at the Mt. Morris Tournament last week.

The Mavericks began the week with a home match against Grand Blanc to start the second rotation of KLAA West play.

Milford (12-9-2 overall, 4-2 in the KLAA West) took the first game 26-24 and the second game 25-21. However, the Bobcats (10-7-2, 4-2) answered by taking the third game, 25-20.

But, Milford ended the match by winning the fourth game, 25-23.

“This was a great night for the team. We battled tonight against a great team, arguably the team with the best defense in the league, and we were able to fight out a victory,” said Milford Head Coach Jeffrey Stark. “I am very proud of the whole team. They practice hard for this and they earned it tonight through a hard and gritty effort.

“Needless to say, we knew this was a game that would determine our ability to achieve some of the goals and expectations we have as a team,” Stark added. “If we wanted to move towards those objectives, we had to win this match.”

Kristen Yeager was 15-of-15 serving with 4 aces, while Erin Winn and Mackenzie Zondlak each had 23 digs.

Dagny Stark and Karly Shorr each had 11 kills. Jonna Villemure led the team in assists with 34.

“To these girls, especially the seniors, this wasn’t just another game — it was a hinge point on their season’s goals. The team knew they had let one slip away the last time they played Grand Blanc and they were set on getting it back,” Stark said.

Milford then traveled to Mt. Morris for a tournament on Saturday, Oct. 1.

“This was a late addition to our schedule, but we saw some great opportunities for us in attending. Anytime you can go to a tournament and get all your girls to play throughout the entire day against quality competition, you know you will be better on Monday,” Stark said.

Milford earned victories over Lapeer West and Garden City in pool play while splitting with Frankenmuth and Holt.

The Mavericks then fell to host Mt. Morris, 20-25, 27-25, 13-15 in the tournament semi-finals.

Winn led the Mavs with 25 kills and 10 blocks during the tournament, while Shorr had 10 blocks.

Zondlak led Milford with 40 total digs during the tournament. Villemure had 101 assists and Yeager had 10 aces total throughout the day’s play.