Eagles nab North title with wins over Western, Kettering

Huron Valley Lakeland clinched its fifth consecutive Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title with two division wins this past week.

The Eagles (9-0 in the KLAA North) began their week with a three-game victory over Walled Lake Western at home, 25-8, 25-11, and 25-15, on Tuesday, Oct. 2 which also marked Senior Night to honor Lakeland’s senior players.

Senior setter Kelly Merkle had 26 assists and had eight kills on 13 attempts. Senior libero Carolyn Niehaus had 24 successful service attempts with three aces, and senior outside Lindsey Tanner had eight kills on 18 attempts.

The Eagles then traveled to Waterford Kettering on Thursday, Oct. 4 and defeated the Captains in three games, 25-11, 25-13, and 25-18.

Merkle had 23 assists and had nine kills in 14 attempts with two aces, while Niehaus had 17 digs and sophomore middle hitter Amanda Lock had five kills on eight attempts with three solo blocks.

Kettering fell to 3-5 in the KLAA North.

The Eagles looked to complete a perfect 10-0 division record when they played at Walled Lake Central yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 9, after press time.

Lakeland will then play at the KLAA West Division champion on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in the Lakes Conference title match before the KLAA Tournament begins on Monday, Oct. 22.