Eagles hold strong lead in North after pair of victories

Huron Valley Lakeland is in command atop the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division after two victories last week in division play.

The Eagles (17-6 overall, 7-0 in the KLAA North) began their week with a three-game victory at home over rival Walled Lake Northern, 25-15, 25-20, and 26-24 on Monday, Sept. 24.

“It was a great team effort as the entire team played great on the night,” said Lakeland Head Coach Jean Dukic.

Lakeland then traveled to Waterford Mott on Thursday, Sept. 27 and defeated the Corsairs in three games, 25-14, 25-16, and 25-14.

Senior outside hitter Lindsey Tanner had eight kills while sophomore outside hitter Maddie Harris had six kills.

Senior setter Kelly Merkle also had 21 assists and two aces for the Eagles, who are now two games ahead of second-place Walled Lake Central in the KLAA North.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, the Eagles played at the Portage Central Volleyball Invitational, where they defeated South Lyon in their first match before falling to the eventual tournament champion, Gull Lake.

Lakeland then bounced back to defeat Hudsonville and Fruitport to advance to the Gold Bracket of the tournament.

The Eagles would then face Bloomfield Hills Marian in bracket play and would win the first game, 25-22, before losing the next two, 15-25 and 11-15, to be eliminated from the tournament.

Lakeland hosted Walled Lake Western yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2 after press time and will travel to Waterford Kettering tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4 before playing its division finale at Walled Lake Central on Tuesday, Oct. 9.