Source: Oakland Press

Author: Drew Ellis

 

There wasn’t much difference between Farmington Hills Mercy and Birmingham Marian on the volleyball court Monday night.

But, the slight difference may have been championship composure.

Coming off the program’s first state title in 2019, Mercy’s seniors showed that championship grit on Monday to get past a young and talented Marian squad, 25-22, 25-22, 27-25.

“Composure was a big part of the match,” Mercy coach Loretta Vogel said. “We have five seniors that are really composed players. The girls didn’t get rattled when we fell behind and just stayed within themselves.”

The unbeaten Marlins handed the Mustangs their first loss of 2020 in the first of two CHSL meetings this fall. Both teams are expected to be top contenders in the state title race this fall.

Marian looked to set the tone in the first set, as they led in the early stages. Mercy tied the score at 15-15 off a kill from senior Ellie Tisko, and that was followed up by back-to-back aces from junior Leah LaFontaine.

The Marlins built their lead to 24-19 before Marian fought off three set points. However, a service error would give Mercy the opener.

In the second, Marian again led early, 16-13, but couldn’t turn it into a set victory. Mercy would rely on senior outside Kaylin Collins, as well as LaFontaine, to finish the set.

With the score at 22-21, Collins would put down a pair of kills before LaFontaine eventually got the winning point to put the Marlins up two sets.

Collins is coming off a knee injury that ended her 2019 season prematurely. Though part of the championship squad, Collins was forced to celebrate from the sidelines.

“When we were training outside on the grass, we weren’t letting her do anything. She was just given the go-ahead to go 100 percent last week, so it’s been great to have her be back on the floor,” Vogel said of Collins. “She’s a great asset to the team.”

The third set was the most competitive throughout. Marian again had a chance to extend the match, leading 20-14 at one point, but the Marlins rallied again.

Senior setter Julia Bishop mixed up the attacks, feeding the likes of Tisko, Collins, LaFontaine and senior middle Charli Atiemo.

“Julia knows who to get the ball to at the right time,” Vogel said. “She’s just a great player and really brings out the best in her teammates.”

Atiemo broke a 25-25 tie with a kill to give the Marlins match point. An attack error by Marian would end the night and give Mercy the sweep.

“I think we forgot who we are,” Marian coach Mayssa Cook said. “I don’t know that we showed up and played our best ay any position (Monday). The rivalry may have played into that, but we have the skillset that should allow us to overcome that as the season progresses.”

Marian is without a senior on the roster, but still has a lot of experienced players. Junior outside Ava Brizard was an All-State selection as a sophomore, while sophomores Lauren Heming, Ava Sarafa, Reagan Sass and Ella Schomer will all be big contributors.

The Mustangs hope they can turn the tables on Mercy when the two meet again in Birmingham on Oct. 7.

“The age is what can show up in these tight matches. We are young, but we are experienced and I think with a few more weeks, these girls will continue to grow and gain that confidence to finish these close sets,” Cook said. “This is a strong-minded group. Age may be a factor right now, but it won’t be later in the season.”