Source: Observer/Eccentric

Author: Dan O'Meara / John Stormzand

If all goes well for the hometown teams, Farmington and Mercy high schools will meet for the fourth straight year in the final round of a district volleyball tournament next week.

Mercy has won the previous three meetings and will try to win its 11th consecutive district championship in the Class A tournament at Southfield High School.

Each team drew a first-round bye and will play a semifinal match Wednesday, creating the possibility of another all-Farmington final at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Marlins, who have won a district title in 23 of the last 26 years, swept the Falcons in three games last year in the Farmington gym, 12-15-16.

“We’ve seen Mercy play a few times this season, so we know what they’re going to do – or at least we have an idea,” Farmington coach Mike Scott said.

He added the teams met during a scrimmage tournament at the start of the season, but an official score was not recorded.

“I don’t think either team showed their cards,” Scott added. “Plus, it was two months ago when we saw each other. I’m sure much has changed for both teams since then.”

While the Marlins rate the favorite’s role based on their history and record in district play, the Falcons (20-8-4) just might have the team this year to match up and compete well with Mercy.

Farmington, which tied with Harrison for the OAA White Division championship, has a talented and balanced front court led by junior Taylor Suurmeyer and seniors Shannon Seegert, Michelle Begovic and Rebecca O’Connor.

Begovic and O’Connor also excel in the back row with seniors Elizabeth Nahat, Sarah Gallagher and Alexa Tipton and junior Jocelyn King.

Suurmeyer is the leader in kills (202) and blocks (60); Begovic has the most digs (206) and aces (50). McAllister is the team’s setter and has 544 assists.

“If we play together and play our system, we’re a tough team to beat,” Scott said. “Mercy plays phenomenal defense, and (the Marlins are) controlled and precise on how and where they attack.

“If we can defend and play our game, it should be a good matchup.”

The Falcons were scrambling a bit in recent days after suffering a number of injuries, according to Scott, who said he hoped none were serious.

“What this will allow us to do is get some of our younger players some reps before the district and rest for our injured,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get everyone back on the same page before the district.”

Before it can focus on a rematch with Mercy, Farmington will have to get past the winner of a Monday match between Detroit Renaissance and host Southfield. The semifinal match is slated for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“We know Renaissance is well coached and had some players last year who could put the ball through the floor,” Scott said. “We expect that Mercy will be in the district final on the other side of the bracket.

“I think this (Farmington) team has expectations to return to the district final, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

“We can’t just assume we’re going to be there, though. We’re going to have to put some work in to get there.”

Mercy, which lost to Temperance Bedford, the eventual state runner-up, in a quarterfinal match last year at Gibraltar Carlson, plays either Detroit International Academy or Detroit Mumford in the second semifinal at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The Marlins, who shared the Catholic League Central Division title with Marian this year, were upset by Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in a semifinal match in the league tournament Oct. 24.

Mercy is led by junior and all-area libero Jenna Lerg and senior Jaclyn Ruffolo on defense. It also has a variety of hitters and attack options with seniors Jenna Reinhold, Kelli McDonald, Jess Rieckhoff and Christa Greenwood and junior Kayla Fisher.