Bronson wins fourth straight championship, sweeps USA in D3 final
It’s becoming an old habit for the Bronson volleyball team. The Vikings claimed their fourth consecutive state championship on Saturday in a 25-19, 25-19, 25-23 sweep of Unionville-Sebewaing in the Division 3 state championship. Following the match, there was a…
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Continue ReadingIt’s becoming an old habit for the Bronson volleyball team.
The Vikings claimed their fourth consecutive state championship on Saturday in a 25-19, 25-19, 25-23 sweep of Unionville-Sebewaing in the Division 3 state championship. Following the match, there was a short celebration, but it felt like business as usual for the Vikings during the awards presentation.
“I have never not won,” Bronson senior libero Kiera Lasky, who also won her fourth straight state title, said. “This one is just really bittersweet I guess, because I am going with a win with my favorite people. It is exciting.”
The Vikings (58-6) didn’t deal with much adversity in Saturday’s win, as they led comfortably in each of the first two sets to take the early advantage on the Patriots.
In the third, USA (44-5-4) established a 12-6 lead, which forced Bronson into a timeout. Out of the huddle, the Vikings rallied and eventually took a 20-18 lead that would lead them to the 25-23 victory and the sweep.
“I just think that this was our first time being here, maybe the atmosphere of (the state finals), we just couldn’t capitalize sometime on getting hands on their attacks and defending as well as we could have, but they played with their hearts and I am proud of the way they played,” USA coach Teresa Rose said of her team.
Rylee ZimmerThe Vikings did their best to neutralize USA senior Rylee Zimmer and force others to beat them. The Patriots didn’t have enough consistent answers, as they hit .139 as a team. Zimmer still finished with 16 kills and 10 digs in the loss. Nichole Schember had 28 assists while Maci Montgomery had 14 digs.
Bronson got 19 kills and eight digs from Keona Salesman, their junior outside, while senior right side Jolie Smoker had 13 kills. The two both hit over .400. Lasky finished with 14 digs while Meagan Lasky had 35 assists and 11 digs.
Bronson will lose six seniors from this 2018 squad, but returns a lot of talent as it will seek a fifth consecutive championship in 2019.
“People think it just happens,” LaClair said of the state championships. “At the end of last year (people asked), ‘where are we going to put next year’s picture?’ And I am like, ‘it is not that easy,’ and it really isn’t easy. Today was really hard because we were expected to win. (USA) wanted to win, but I don’t think people expected them to win where I think everyone expected us to win. That put a lot of pressure on our girls and I am proud that we handled it well. Whether it is one in a row or four in a row, each one is pretty special.”