The way Brandon volleyball coach Brian Williams sees it, the team’s overall record of 10-29-3 could have been much better.
The Blackhawks? season ended when they were eliminated in the first round of district competition last month at the hands of Davison, as the Cardinals defeated the Blackhawks 21-25, 25-27, 24-26.
Brandon finished their Flint Metro League season with a league record of 4-8, good for fifth place in the league, ahead of Linden and Holly.
Typical of many of their games this season, Williams said the district matchup against Davison was one in which the Blackhawks were within striking distance.
‘Overall, it was a growing year,? he said. ‘It was a frustrating year because we were in every match we played against a lot of good teams. Our challenge this summer is to get better and develop leaders.?
Williams said it will be key for this year’s junior class to step up and become leaders for next year’s Blackhawks.
Heading up the junior class is team Most Valuable Player Sandra Oliver, who served 91 percent this season and had 65 aces while leading the team in passing and serving.
Other juniors are Brittany Kelley (whom Williams said had a ‘great work ethic?), Lynsey Crain, Andrea Lewis, and Sadie Boadway.
‘It matters how those five lead this summer,? Williams said.
The Blackhawks will lose four players to graduation this year, chief among them co-captains Janet Soave and Stephenie Manning.
‘They led us with off-the-court stuff and inspirational messages,? Williams said. ‘That will be missed from them.?
Also graduating are seniors Katie Flood and Jackie Back. ‘They were very hard workers, and they led by example,? Williams said.
Four Blackhawks were represented on the all-Flint Metro League team, voted on by the league’s coaches. Sophomore Savannah Stedman made first team all-league, leading the Blackhawks with 314 kills and 191 blocks. Manning made second-team all-league, while Back and Oliver were selected for the honorable mention squad.