SMCC volleyball comes back to top Bedford in tournament finals
TEMPERANCE -- Cassie Haut is trying to put it all togeher.
The St. Mary Catholic Central volleyball coach has a talented roster, but she has to figure out how the players work best together.
"I've got so many puzzle pieces," she said. 'I have to see how the puzzle fits together.'
It all worked to perfection Friday as the Kestrels came back after losing the opening set to beat Bedford in the finals of the Bedford End of Summer Tournament.
"It's always fun to come down here," Haut said. "The best part is seeing how the girls change throughout the day. This is a long day. The girls really had to persevere."
A lot of persevance was required in the finals against previously unbeaten Bedford.
SMCC led by seven points several times, but Bedford came roaring back to win 25-23.
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Haut was able to rally her team after that disappointment.
"We talked about how many errors we had and how they corresponded to how many points they scored," Haut said. "I told them we just had to learn from it and start over and go back to basics."
Whatever Haut said worked.
SMCC took the second set 25-20, then won a back-and-forth final set 15-13.
The Kestrels got their usual strong play from All-Region players Jessica Costlow, Mckenna Payne and Madeline Dettling. Haut was pleased with how the other players filled their roles.
"We just have to make sure we use everyone to the best of their strengths," Haut said.
The 11-2-1 Kestrels still are trying to identify those strengths.
"We've been mixing it around all year," Costlow said. "Our libero from last year is playing setter and our defensive specialist is playing libero."
It has been a turmultous season for Bedford.
The Mules opened with Jodi Manore at the helm for ther 39th season. But after winning a tournament to open the season, Manore was placed on temporary leave by the school district while what was called a "personnel matter."
Bedford athletic director Mark German said Friday he could not offer any updates on Manore's situation.
Former Ida coach Bre Russow, who was in her first season at Manore's assistant, had to take over. The Mules won the Cereal City Invitational last weeked and won their first four matches Friday before running into SMCC.
No opponent had scored more than 17 points in a set against before the finals Friday.
"We have not had a true test yet," Russow said. "I'll play games like this all day."
Russow has been pleased with the way Bedford's players have ignored to distractions.
"Our main goal is to focus on volleyball," Russow said. "They have come together. Were taking it one day at a time."
Victoria Gray recorded 30 kills and 19 digs and Alivia Brown rang up 18 kills and 32 digs to lead the Mules. Other standouts were Kaylin Schroeder (79 assists), Mya Krohn (43 digs), Jaelyn Hall (15 kills) and Macy Madalinski (15 kills) also played well.
Ida lost to SMCC (25-10, 25-17), Bronson (25-14, 25-22), and Skyline (25-20, 25-17) and beat Allen Park 25-20, 21-25, 15-12.
Ellie Jones (11 kills, 19 digs) Mia Karl (9 kills) Brandie Gobrecht (8 kills) and Jessica Schrader l38 digs) and were statistical leaders. Gabby Gobrecht blocked well.
We saw some good teams today and did some good things against them," Ida coach Ashley Begeman said. "We have more growing to do, but it was good for us to see what level we need to get to in order to compete a little better."
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: SMCC volleyball comes back to top Bedford in tournament finals
