Cardinals capture third straight conference title

October 24, 2014 Editor

by Angie Asam-Staff Writer

Tuesday evening the Onaway Cardinals’ varsity volleyball team captured its third straight Ski Valley Conference title with its third straight undefeated conference season after sweeping Mancelona at home 25-15, 27-25 and 25-14.

THE ONAWAY Cardinal volleyball team has its eyes on its postseason goals as they won their third straight conference title this week. Above, coach Steve Watson gives some direction during a timeout. Below, the Cardinal defense gets ready. (Photos by Angie Asam)

This year’s conference title after an 8-0 campaign in conference play this season not only marks the third straight, but it is the third overall conference volleyball title Onaway has won.

“In three years we haven’t lost a conference match. We have gone 24-0 in conference play in the last three seasons. We set our goals to do that and this is the first goal we could really accomplish this year. It is a testament to the mental strength and fortitude of these kids as well as the offseason work they put into volleyball,” said coach Steve Watson.

Tuesday senior Lexi Szymoniak had 14 kills, two aces and 23 digs. Senior Elise Arkwood had nine kills, four set assists and 10 digs.

Sophomore Taylor Ehrke had two kills, 26 assists and six digs. Alison LaFave added four kills and four digs.

Senior Ashley LaLonde had eight aces and nine digs and senior Morganne Badgero had two kills and nine digs. Junior Jade Galer added nine digs.

“When I took over the program if someone would have told me we would win one conference title I would have said ok. I never would have believed that we would win three conference titles in a row,” said coach Watson.

The conference title may be a springboard as the postseason approaches. The Cardinals are off to the tough St. Louis Invitational Saturday

where they will be in a pool with Morley Stanwood (ranked #5 in Class C), Laingsburg and Alma.

Monday they will travel to Sault Ste. Marie for a tri-meet with the Blue Devils and the Cheboygan Chiefs.

Tuesday they will travel to Rogers City for the Presque Isle Championships meet with Posen and Rogers City. Action will begin at 5 p.m. with the varsity on one net and the junior varsity on the other.

Onaway will face Posen in the opening round of district play at home Nov. 3 after the 6 p.m. Hillman vs. Wolverine game.

The winner will advance to the district title match Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.

The Cardinals are 26-11-5 overall and are ranked #7 in Class D.