By Riley Homan (Class of 2029) and Mr. Zane Harding (Journalism Advisor)
Stats courtesy of Mr. Nathan Bradford (Athletic Director)
Today marks the beginning of another Portager postseason pursuit! Our #10 Onekama volleyball team enters the postseason with a 32-8-1 record, ranked top-ten in the state and holding a share of the Northwest Conference title. They now seek to send off three program record-holders — seniors Ava Mauntler (Calvin commit), Delaney McCarthy, and Elizabeth McKeough — on a high note!
Recent Results
On Thursday, October 15, the team hosted Benzie Central with an opportunity to earn a share of the Northwest Conference title. The lady Portagers swept the Huskies in three consecutive sets to secure a share of the Northwest Conference championship! Onekama won the first two sets by identical scores of 25–13 before closing out the match with a deciding 25–19 victory in the third set to close out a key Senior Night victory.
On Monday, October 19, the girls traveled to Shelby for a tri-match against Shelby and White Cloud. The Lady Portagers opened against Shelby, losing the first set 21–25 before rallying to win the next two sets, 25–17 and 25–22, to take the match. Onekama then faced White Cloud, dropping the opening set 23–25. The Lady Portagers then responded with two consecutive wins, 25–15 and 25-18, to win the match.
On Saturday, October 24, the Lady Portagers traveled to Beal City for the Aggie Invitational and turned in a strong performance. Onekama finished pool play in first place and made it all the way to the championship match before falling short to Freeland, snapping a 22-match undefeated streak. Throughout the tournament, the Lady Portagers earned victories over Beal City (twice), Fulton, and Shepherd.
Most recently, on Monday, October 26, the Onekama varsity volleyball team traveled to Mason County Central for a tri-match to close the regular season against Mason County Central and Brethren. The Portagers continued their winning ways, defeating Mason County Central in two sets, 25-12 and 25-12. They also earned a two set victory over Brethren, winning 25-8 and 25-12.
Playoff Preview
The Lady Portagers now embark on a journey to defend their six consecutive district titles and to secure their first regional title in program history. The girls kick off postseason action this evening at 5 PM in Frankfort against Bear Lake. Should they advance, the girls will host either Frankfort or Brethren for a district title on Thursday at 6 PM. Best of luck, ladies!