Volleyball team prosperous despite Star absence

By Brodee Gillam

Sports Editor

The LCC volleyball team secured a much-needed 25-18, 25-19, 25-20 victory at home over the Jackson College Jets on Sept. 20.

The win improved the Stars' record to 4-3 in the MCCAA West, and to 4-12 overall.

LCC Head Coach Emily Quintero said her team's recent success is the result of team development.

"We're just starting to develop our team camaraderie a bit more and learning how to win more," Quintero said.

The Stars welcomed sophomore hitter Addie Pickelman back into the lineup after she missed the past two matches with a concussion.

Pickelman described the protocol she had to pass to get back to the court.

"Whenever I reached the point of no symptoms, I had to go 48 hours symptom-free," Pickelman said. "Then I got to gradually go back into physical activity.

"So (on the) first day, ride a bike. Second day, I had to ride a bike and do lunges. Then the third day was an intense workout, and if I passed that, I got to practice."

Replacing a key player such as Pickelman isn't easy, but the Stars managed a 25-11, 25-23, 20-25, 20-25, 15-10 win against Ancilla College on Sept. 13 without her.

Freshman McKenzie Kench stepped in to help replace Pickelman's production. Also stepping up were fellow freshman Brianna Mohn, who teammates describe as "scrappy," and sophomores Hailey Baxter and Delaney Thompson.

Kench, Baxter and Thompson had a combined 35 kills against the Chargers, while Mohn contributed 16 digs.

Kench seems to be progressing and improving with every game, which Pickelman said simply comes down to control.

"She's definitely improved (by) putting the ball in play rather than just going crazy," Pickelman said. "Being smart… we're seeing a lot more tips and roll shots from her. She's actually trying to get her serve in play."

Quintero also touched on Kench's play and said how important she is for the team moving forward.

"She's definitely stepped up," Quintero said. "She has a really strong serve and can put that ball down as well."

After two wins in the last three games Pickelman credits one thing: focus.

"We're playing as one – we aren't six individual players on the court – we're moving together as one person and that makes a huge difference," Pickelman said.

Even though the record doesn't show it, Quintero and her team have watched film and feel very confident moving forward.

"With our play … the losses are purely because of our errors, which we can correct, not because of anyone outshining us," Quintero said. "With us continuously improving I definitely have high hopes for the rest of our season."

The Stars were scheduled to play two games against Alpena CC in Alpena on Friday, Sept. 23.