David Cook
Sports Scene
After reaching the Class A state championship match season and falling just short, the Rockford volleyball team is determined to take the final step this season.
With plenty of talent back and taking on a challenging schedule, Rockford is off to a strong start this season. Rockford is ranked first in the state in Division 1 this season as it opened the season with 29 wins in its first 31 matches.
Veteran Rockford coach Kelly Delacher has a squad loaded with talent. One of Delacher’s best players also happens to be his daughter Hailey Delacher. A returning first-team, all-state player, Hailey Delacher is a talented setter that keeps the Ram offense humming. Hailey, a senior, will be continuing her volleyball career next season at Bradley University.
Hailey Delacher has plenty of tall and talented options to feed the ball to led by senior outside hitters Sara Majerle (5-11) and Zoe Anderson (6-1). Anderson has already committed to play her college volleyball at Ferris State.
The Ram defense is led by the return of senior libero Mykayla Vallad.
“We have a very experienced core of players,” Kelly Delacher stated. “We have offensive weapons everywhere and will need to get better defensively if we want to be mentioned with the contenders.”
The Rams also have some talented newcomers that are blending in with the veterans. Junior outside hitter Lindsay Taylor (6-2) is a big-time hitter who has already committed to Miami University of the Mid-American Conference. Fellow juniors Emmy Webb and Claire Phillips are a pair of 6-footers that add even more height along the front line.
Rockford has been showing just how talented it is thus far this season with many strong efforts. The Rams won both the Portage Central Tournament and the East Kentwood Classic in early-season action. Majerle also connected on her 1,000th career kill at the Portage tournament.
“We are off to a great start,” Delacher said. “We have played some tough competition early and performed very well.”