Conference Recap: Blue Water Area Conference
Yet another conference in the Thumb area that has proven to not be messed with when it comes to the volleyball scene is the Blue Water Area Conference (BWAC). The BWAC boasts some top notch teams including that of perennial…
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Continue ReadingYet another conference in the Thumb area that has proven to not be messed with when it comes to the volleyball scene is the Blue Water Area Conference (BWAC). The BWAC boasts some top notch teams including that of perennial power North Branch, whom just joined this season, and longtime heavy weight Croswel-Lexington. North Branch dominated the conference behind conference MVP Allyson Severance. Behind the Broncos, was a war zone as 2nd-4th all held the same season record. Here’s a recap and breakdown of the happenings in the BWAC.
North Branch, Conference Champions, 7-0, Tournament Champs
A sigh of relief came from the members of the Tri-Valley East Conference when they found out that top dog in D2 volleyball would exit the conference. North Branch came marching into the BWAC with lots to say. Despite being plagued by injury the entire season, North Branch has a Miss Volleyball nominee on tap. Nominee and Conference MVP, Allyson Severance made up for all that North Branch loss during the season. Between the regular season and conference tournament, Severance put away 146 kills on a .577 clip. The Broncos put three other ladies onto the first team list, including setter, Autumn Deshetsky, Libero Hannah Bader and MB Allison Bryce. The four lead the Bronco’s offense and defense throughout the season that’d see them sweep every opponent.
Croswel-Lexington, Conference Runner-Up, 5-2, Tournament Runner-Up
The only other team that seemed to be able to give North Branch fits came out of this Pioneer squad. Led by 6-rotation MB Devyn Gordon, whom led the squad in kills, blocks, digs and serve reception. She was the heartbeat of this team in a rebuilding year. This squad had to scrap up after losing nine seniors in the previous season in order to compete. The Pioneers did just that and came out to play, putting both Gordon and Gabbie Childers on the First and Second team All-BWAC lists.
Yale, 3rd Place, 5-2
Another squad apart of the brawl for runner-up came from Yale. Yale earned their 3rd place finish through not only tying for 2nd in the conference regular season but then would win it out of a tiebreaker with fellow 5-2 team Almont. The scrappy squad put two Bulldogs on the second team list in Sarah Steen and Morganne Rapley.
Almont, 4th Place, 5-2
The last of the teams to tie for second during the regular season came out of Almont. A team that showed a lot of potential behind First Teamer Maria Bussone. They were able to notch a win from Cros-Lex to put them into contention. Although a successful regular season, the Raiders couldn’t capitalize during the tournament. Ending the day early and ending up losing a tiebreaker to Yale for third place. Coach Mandy DeHondt was awarded Coach of the Year for her teams efforts this season.
Armada, 5th Place, 3-4. Tournament Semi-Finalists
Despite a losing effort during the regular season, the Tigers of Armada managed to find themselves in the midst of the final two rounds of the BWAC tournament. Doing so, revenging Yale and Almont to inch within a point of tying with the two. The squad was led by Harper Nebergall whom garnered First Team honors.
Richmond, 6th Place, 2-5, Tournament Semi-Finalists
Another team that made heads turn during tournament time was the Richmond Blue Devils. The devils were able to avenge regular season losses to make their way to the semi-finals of the BWAC tournament. Although having the run ended by the runner-ups Cros-Lex. This showed a lot of resilience in the squad. The Blue Devils were lead by Honorable Mention All-BWAC members Jenna Schroeder and Ashley Teltow.
Imlay City, 7th Place, 1-6
Imlay City found themselves struggling this season to find any footing in the hyper competitive BWAC, with only garnering 1 win to Algonac. The Spartans were lead by Honorable Mention All-BWAC members, Mallory Wetzel and Leah Dawson.
Algonac, 8th Place, 0-7
Another team that couldn’t find any right footing in the conference came in the form of Algonac Muskrats. The Muskrats took no wins home this season. Muskrats were led by Second Teamer Emily Nugent.