By John Raffel
MaxPreps.com
Michigan volleyball teams started the postseason this week with hopes of bringing back state championship success when the season ends at the state finals Nov. 17.
One of those teams, Marysville, which won the state's Class B title in 2006, ended the regular season at 46-3, with strong hopes of going all the way this season.
"I'm very satisfied," Marysville Coach John Knuth said. "It's been a rewarding year. We've won five tournaments and were runners-up in another one. We won our conference tournament last week which is our regular-season goal."
Knuth has liked the style of his team this season.
"We're grinding it out in each match," Knuth said. "We're digging well with our defense. We've been able to play at such a high level."
Mallory Kopa has been an effective hitter for the team.
"Lauren Davis has done well as the setter's position and at leading the team," Knuth said.
Knuth may have a state championship contending team, but he's focusing on winning the districts this week.
"Then we'll take it from there."
More Volleyball
Another team capable of contending for a Class B volleyball state title is Fruitport - the 2005 state champion.
Fruitport ended the regular season at 42-5-3 and won the Lakes 8 Conference at 7-0.
"I knew when I took the job we had a pretty good group of returning players," said first-year Fruitport Coach Nicole Bayle, who replaced Dan Potts. "I'm pleased with how we've done so far. I have a great senior class. They've been playing together since the sixth grade. It's been a great season so far."
Serving and passing have been two strengths for the team.
"Those are two things we do very well," Bayle said. "Being a strong serving team really helps us."
Danielle Brink, a returning senior setter, is a two-time all-stater. Junior Naomi Bush, a junior, is an outside hitter and a key outsider player for Fruitport. Rachel Feutz is another strong hitter for the team.
"We graduated seven players from last year," Bayle said. "But this has been one of the most well-rounded teams I have coached."
To win the state title, "we'll have a pretty tough road," Bayle said. "Class B is tough. We'll see Grand Rapids South Christian early in the tournament. They'll be very tough."
Football
Michigan football teams are in the second week of the five-week playoff season with district title games on tap this weekend.
Among the teams still undefeated at 10-0 is Alma, 40 miles north of Lansing. Randy Lark, a former NCAA Division II assistant coach, is in his 12th season at the school.
"The senior class gets along well," Lark said. "We have a balanced offense. Our defense has gotten better every week."
Alma has had some close calls, beating Chippewa HIlls 19-18 in the last game of the regular season and Ovid-Elsie in overtime.
Lark's son, Kyle, a junior, is the team's leading tackler, while senior Craig Williams is the No. 1 running back.
Alma hopes to beat Belding this weekend and advance to the third round of play, which features regional championship games.
Boys Tennis
East Lansing is celebrating a state championship this season in Division 2 boys tennis.
"Six of my 12 players this season were seniors," said East Lansing coach Erik Anderson. "I had quite a lot of USTA players on the team. They played up to expectations in my eyes. They all came together."
Tom Cawood, a senior, was 23-2 at No. 1 singles for East Lansing. Adam Jadun and Steve Wolff had a state championship season at No. 1 doubles.
Winning the title next year won't be easy, Anderson said.
"We lose six players next year. But I think we have a chance to be a top five team in Division 2. Okemos will be a strong favorite to win next year's title."
Cross Country
Cross country teams will be in Brooklyn, Mich., Saturday for the Lower Peninsula state championsips at Michigan International Speedway.
Denny Scully said his Grand Rapids West Catholic team can be a state contender in Division 3 after winning a regional championship last weekend.
"We were sixth in the state last year," Scully said. "If the right things happen, we could make a challenge (to the state title) this weekend."
Scully's 2003 team won the state title and his 2004 and 2005 squads were runners-up.
"Erie-Mason won it last year and Williamston was runners-up," Scully said. "Williamston is ranked No. 1 right now. But I think we can challenge them this weekend."
Mike Gravelyn and Antonio Schaefer are GR West Catholic's top two runners.
