It’s Tuesday night during the fall in Northwest Michigan, and that means varsity volleyball for the Lake Michigan Conference. In Kalkaska, the Harbor Springs Rams made the 90 minute trip to visit the Lady Blazers.

The Blazers took early control of game one behind solid serving and excellent net play. However, after falling behind 7-18, the Rams fought back with five straight points and forced Kalkaska to take a time out. But the Lady Blazers came out of the timeout ready, the offense and defense regrouped, and Kalkaska took game one, 25-19.

Game two started out as a back-and-forth affair and the Blazers found themselves losing 7-11 early. Harbor continued to extend the lead and Kalkaska was soon down 10-18. But once again coach Castañeda took a timeout and the Lady Blazers came out ready to fight. The defense came up big to regain service, and then senior Kenzie Kniss served 9 straight, helping the Blazers get on top 20-18. The race to 25 was tight, but the girls in blue won 25-22. 

Both teams came out with the intensity in game three, and once again senior Kenzie Kniss got the Lady Blazers off to a hot start with five straight serves. The Lady Rams front row continued to challenge Kalkaska hitters with strong blocks, but big hits by seniors Jordyn Disbrow and Payton McKenzie proved to be too much for Harbor Springs, and another great set of serves by senior Lauren DeVol (playing libero in the absence of her twin sister, Alli) helped Kalkaska to win game three, 25-17 and take the match 3-0.

The Blazers served 22 aces in the 3 game match, led by Lauren DeVol and Mackenzie Kniss who each had 7. Jordyn Disbrow scored with kills 12 times, followed by Violet Porter with 7. Mia Miller, once again, showed up to block with 3 on the night. Defense was led by the quick moves and coverage of Lauren DeVol and Jordyn Disbrow.

Kalkaska will be back in action Thursday night, again at home, with JV playing at 5:30 PM and varsity starting at 7 PM. Be sure to come out and watch the exciting brand of volleyball that is characterizing the ladies in blue.