FARMINGTON HILLS — It’s always a big event when Bloomfield Hills Marian and Farmington Hills Mercy meet in athletics, especially in volleyball. Repercussions of their domination can be felt locally and statewide.
Marian and Mercy have reigned over Division 1 in the Michigan High School Athletic Association for the past five years. Mercy won the championship in 2019 and last year in 2023, while Marian won the years between, in 2020-21-22.
They have ruled the Catholic High School League Bishop Division for seven consecutive years: Mercy in 2017-18-19 followed up by Marian in 2020-21-22-23.
A month into the 2024 season, the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association has ranked defending state champ Mercy (10-0-0) No. 1 and Marian (21-2-0) No. 4.
Last Wednesday evening, the home team Marlins, spurred on by a full house and a raucous student body, outlasted Marian 25-15, 25-15, 25-21.
Marian led 10-4 in the third set before Mercy relentlessly chipped away to take the lead for the first time at 17-16. Sophomore Kate Kalczynski collected eight of her team-high 17 kills to lead the come-from-behind charge. Senior Miss Volleyball candidate Campbell Flynn directed the offense with 28 assists and five kills. Junior Ella Andrews had six kills and five blocks. Junior Cree Hollier had the crowd buzzing with her six kills.
“The difference in that third game,” explained Mercy coach Loretta Vogel, “is they were able to use the block a little better, and that changed everything up defensively, and we couldn’t get the ball. Sometimes when you get to the third game, teams are going to mix it up and start doing different things. That had an impact. We kept telling the kids you have to anticipate that.”
“The first two sets, we were in there for the first half of both sets,” Marian coach Mayssa Cook said. “We just allowed one or two servers to get runs on us. We made unforced errors; they didn’t make any. In set three, we came out with a chip on our shoulder, more intensity. We took our foot off the gas too soon. They made some nice plays.”
Marian was led by senior Izzy Busignani, another Miss Volleyball finalist, who had 12 kills. Sophomore Calli LeFevre had five kills with three blocks. Jayla Zayti had four kills.
Barring a jarring upset, Mercy and Marian will collide Oct. 10 for the CHSL championship. State tournament action begins Nov. 4.
Those are important dates for Clarkston Everest Collegiate, too. The 15-0 Mountaineers, currently ranked No. 1 in Division 4, will be seeking to defend their D4 state and CHSL St. Anne Division titles.
Contact Don Horkey at [email protected].
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