Stars win district volleyball opener

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

The Stars volleyball team won its first district game against St. Clair County Community College on Thursday, Nov. 2 at St. Clair.

After coming off a devastating loss in the state championship game against Grand Rapids Community College last Saturday, Oct. 28, the Stars started their district game focused.

“We were very motivated and focused on making sure we were connecting with one another, and focusing on defense,” LCC Head Coach Emily Quintero said. “With them really focusing on those two items, we came out successful.”

The Stars won the match in three games, beating St. Clair 3-0. The first game finished 25-17, the second 25-14 and the third game 25-18.

Sophomore Macey Beyerlein contributed on defense with 14 digs to lead LCC. Freshman Karsyn Near added another 10 digs to the Stars’ total of 55.

Offensively, LCC sophomore Alex Widner led the team in kills with nine. Sophomore teammate Ella Didion had eight kills and an 80-percent kill rate.

District games have a different style of play and the Stars have not changed their playstyle but are building off it, LCC sophomore Danika Fyan said.

“We know we have the potential to win, but we still know we have to keep pushing and work hard,” Fyan said.

Because so much is at stake in districts, players' nerves can be all over the place. Fyan said she has to find a balance to keep her focused.

“I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, but I try to recognize what is at stake with these games,” Fyan said.

The Stars go on to play Edison State Community College today (Nov. 3) to decide who will play in the district championship game.

The championship game will be held Nov. 4 at the SC4 Fieldhouse in Port Huron.

Quintero is putting a heavy emphasis on defense in the upcoming games, and said it will be the way LCC can win these games.

“Defense makes us move together, everybody is in sync and doing their jobs so it fills in the gaps,” Quintero said. “When we do focus on that it tends to lead to great performances offensively.”