The Women’s Volleyball team closed out their regular season with an electrifying four-game run over the last two weeks, securing a playoff berth in the process. This final stretch saw the Ocelots go 3-1 while battling through three five-set thrillers.

The home stand kicked off with  a matchup against Macomb Community College on Oct. 20, where the Ocelots fell in a tight 3-2 decision. The set scores for the competitive loss were: 25-16, 17-25, 20-25, 27-25, 13-15.

The team demonstrated a strong offensive punch, led by MCCAA Player of the Week Lillian Kaczynski (36 assists) and hitter Hayden Brose (18 kills). 

Despite leading 13-11 in the decisive fifth set, the Monarchs surged back for the win. The game worked as a learning experience for the team.

“I think the feeling of losing that game after we all fought so hard to catch back up was kind of a defeating feeling… After that loss we came into practice the next morning with different mindsets knowing we had a tough game the next day,” said Kaczynski.

Two days later on Oct. 22, the Ocelots hosted the first placeSt. Clair Community College team for Sophomore Night. A pregame ceremony was held to honor the sophomores, where they each received the best wishes from their families and their rookie teammates. In an unforgettable rematch from earlier in the season (Sept 29), in which the Ocelots were swept 3-0, the team claimed a critical 3-2 comeback victory. The set scores from the   match were: 21-25, 25-14, 25-14, 18-25, 18-16.

The start of the game was incredible for the Ocelots, who managed to open up a 2-set lead, but saw their easy victory slip away in the following sets when St. Clair rallied and tied the game.

With a very high level of concentration, the Ocelots returned for the tie-break determined to win, opening up a 4-point lead, but the Skippers again rallied, until the Ocelots managed to open up a two-point lead and finish the set 18-16, winning the game and securing a playoff spot.

The emotion of victory and qualification was intense. Sophomore Julia Lincourt, described the feeling as incredible. 

“When we found out we had secured a playoff spot there was so much excitement and relief because we’d worked really hard all season to reach this goal. After missing out last year, qualifying this time around felt even more meaningful, it showed how much we’ve grown as a team,” said Lincourt.

Kaczynski, also a sophomore, echoed the emotions about the win against St. Clair. 

“That game was the best game I’ve played in my whole volleyball career…the freshman played a big role in getting the win for all of us sophomores on our final night…as soon as we got that final point you would’ve thought we won nationals, that’s how excited we were.” said Kaczynski.

A test of mental strength and resilience

The final week of the regular season provided a perfect game to test the resilience and pressure of the playoffs, demanding maximum concentration with two games on the road.

In the game against Mott Community College on Oct. 27, the Ocelots faced a significant challenge, quickly falling behind 0-2 in sets (12-25, 14-25). However, demonstrating composure and mental strength, the team rallied strongly, winning the next three sets and securing a 3-2 victory with set scores of 12-25, 14-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10. The experience reinforced the team’s confidence and composure under pressure. 

“In those fifth-set moments when the pressure is at its highest, we really focus on staying composed and trusting each other. Communication becomes so important, we remind each other to breathe, stay positive, and play our game one point at a time,” said Lincourt. 

And to finish more calmly, but maintaining the rhythm and intensity of the games, the Ocelots swept over the Oakland Community College team 3-0 on Oct. 29 winning 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 closing out the regular season.

Shifting Focus to Districts

Now, the Ocelots’ focus shifts entirely to the Great Lakes District A Tournament. Hayden Brose pinpointed the key to success in the upcoming win-or-go-home format.

“I think the main challenge for our team will be to come out strong. We tend to start our games off a little slow and come back towards the end, but there won’t be time for that in the playoffs. We have a mindset to go in and play our hearts out, because we aren’t ready for this season to be over,” said Brose.

With their goals aligned and a win-or-win mentality, the Ocelots travel to host Grand Rapids Community College and face the Muskegon Community College team on Thursday, November 6th in the first round of the tournament.

Photo Gallery:

https://schoolcraftconnection.com/43429/media/ocelots-down-skippers-in-5-sets/#

Sophomores: 

# 1 – Linnea Stucky – Outside Hitter

# 4 – Katelyn Orlowski – Defensive Specialist

# 6 – Angelina Wilder – Outside Hitter  

# 7 – Analiese Flint – Middle Blocker

# 10 – Hayden Brose – Outside Hitter

# 11 – Lillian Kaczynski – Setter

# 14 – Julia Lincourt – Middle Blocker

# 21 – Breanna Diktarewicz – Outside Hitter