Beal City’s volleyball team, led by 2012 all-state player Addie Schumacher, continues to soar through the 2013 schedule in hope of making a serious run to the Class C state title.
As of mid-October, the Aggies were 38-2-1. The losses were to St. Louis and Mount Pleasant.
The Aggies lost to Mount Pleasant in pool play but beat the Oilers later in the tournament. They split with Flushing for the tie.
“At the St. Louis tournament, they beat us in the finals,” said Beal City coach Kelly David. “At the Mount Pleasant tournament, we played them in the final and we beat them.”
The Aggies and Sharks, clearly two of the top Class C teams in the state, would only meet again if both were in the finals.
“The key is that the girls have confidence,” David said. “Last year they made it to the [Class D finals] and lost to Battle Creek St. Philip. They got the feeling of what it’s like to be in the state finals. I think they came into the season saying, ‘Hey, we can win state this year.’ They have confidence and are working hard to get back to where they were last year and come out with a win.”
Schumacher is a senior who has been on the varsity since her sophomore season. David has been her coach the past two seasons.
“From her sophomore to her junior season, she improved a ton,” David said. “She kept on improving this year. She’s just a very smart hitter. She just finds open spots on the court. She’s aggressive. She swings for the kill everytime she goes up.”
Schumacher has more confidence in her performances, David has noticed. “She knows this is her last year and is putting everything she can into it,” David said.
“Some things I’m doing better at, but some things last year I think I was doing better at,” she said. “I think I’m being a smarter hitter. I’m not always looking to cream the ball. My defense has improved more,” but she wants to improve on blocking and reading hitters while she’s playing defense.
“Right now, we’re ranked second in the state,” Schumacher said. “We’ve been up there all year. I think we can make it all the way. We have to keep improving and keep working.”
The Aggies are in Class C this year, but the positive part is that they wouldn’t have to face St. Phillip, a Class D power, if they advance to state.
“I would personally like another shot at Battle Creek,” Schumacher said.
She plays volleyball year round but says track is is her best sport. She’s a two-time high jump state champion. She’s also been all-league in basketball.