Ben Murphy
Sports Scene
H.H. Dow High School volleyball head coach Kristen Eddy has had nothing but success coaching the Chargers. Now in her fifth year guiding the team, the Chargers are 40-5-4, and 5-1 in the Saginaw Valley League.
“Great team chemistry has been one of our key factors,” Eddy said. “The players are focused on the team and not individual accomplishments. Another key factor for us is our aggressive play at the net and offensively and defensively.”
On top of already picking up 40 wins, Dow has won tournaments hosted by Chippewa Hills, Linden, Northwood, and Owosso. The team took second place at Pinconning and placed third at Flushing and Northville.
Eddy has amassed 170 wins at Dow, and she said that “As far as coaching, I think each season is special in its own way. I have enjoyed coaching all of my players over the last five years. In regards to overall record, this has been my best season.”
Leading the team to this point have been twin senior sisters Kate Pretty and Victoria Pretty. Kate, an outside hitter, leads the team with 410 kills, 56 blocks, and 326 digs, while Victoria, a middle hitter, has 235 kills and 54 blocks. Senior middle hitter Emily Magurno has 70 blocks, 261 digs, and 137 kills and junior setter Josie Queary has 912 assists, 195 digs, and 28 blocks.
Though Midland has already clinched the SVL title, the coach feels her team has a good chance to win its third district title in five years.
“Our district this year is going to be tough. In order for us to have a successful playoff run, we need to control the tempo in games and bring our ‘A’ game,” Eddy said. “I think we still have a lot of fight in us yet. Three of my players (Kate and Victoria Pretty and Emily Magurno) were on the roster the year we won districts in 2009, which helps the other members of our team. They have been there, they know the ropes, and they can help their teammates this time around as leaders.”