It was fun while it lasted for the Sacred Heart Academy volleyball team, which advanced to the state quarterfinals this season before losing to Leland.
Sacred Heart posted a Class D regional final victory over Ashley on Nov. 14. It won the first two games handily 25-18, 25-9. Then Ashley came back for a 25-23 win in the third game. Sacred Heart prevailed 25-7 in the fourth to take the match. The Irish were led by Sara Hansen with 33 assists, 10 digs, and 10 kills; junior Lexie Methner with 19 kills and seven blocks; and Riley Terwillger with eight kills and four aces.
The Irish were confident going into the quarterfinals against Leland but lost 3-1. It was 2-1, Leland, going to the fourth game, and the Irish had a 20-14 lead. It appeared a fifth game was going to be necessary. But Sacred Heart lost 28-26, and the season ended at 49-12-5 for the Irish. Methner had 18 kills; while senior team captain and setter Sara Hanson compiled six kills, 26 assists, and nine digs.
Michael Kruscke coached the Sacred Heart squad for his fifth season. The team also made it to the quarterfinals in 2010.
“It think our record was more sound this year,” Kruscke said. “We put ourselves into some heavier tournaments, hopefully to better prepare us for tight matches. The girls don’t panic under pressure. We’re trying to keep them comfortable when it gets uncomfortable. That’s the name of the game.”
Kruscke said that Sara Hanson “has been getting the ball in key spots. She’s finding out who’s comfortable, who’s swinging and who’s not and trying to work with the one doing well. Methner has been coming into her own this year.”
During the regular season, a major highlight “was to see the growth of the team,” Kruscke said. “We weren’t quite sure how we were going to match up when all was said and done. They just continue to work every week, every match and got a little better and the team chemistry has come together nicely. It’s even a highlight to see that growth.”
After the regional title, Kruscke’s assertion was that his team was meeting its goals.
“We’ve always set the bar high,” he said. “Back in August, we said one of our goals was to make the trip to Battle Creek. We don’t think any team in the school has done that. We have to take one step at a time.”
That goal was almost, but not quite, met with the loss in the quarterfinals.
“The biggest thing is that they have been controlling the ball when it’s on our side of the net,” Kruscke said. “They’ve been taking care of the ball. When we’re playing well and keeping our unforced errors under control, we’re a pretty solid team. It’s trying not to beat ourselves. “
Maggie Voisin, another captain, plays all the way around and said her team has been good at all the spots. “We have the hitters able to put the ball down,” she said.
“Maggie is the energy, keeps the spirits up, and keeps the team jelled as one,” Kruscke said.
Terwillger and junior Bainy Scully have been solid outside hitters for the Irish. “When those two are on, it makes a huge difference and takes a lot of pressure off our middle,” Kruscke said.