By Chris Metcalf
LCAA’S FINEST
BLOOMFIELD – After dropping the first 25-18, Livonia volleyball didn’t even flinch.
And neither did head coach Kristin Hierlwimmer.
Instead, Livonia went out and swept three straight games – 25-23, 25-22, 25-23 – to defeat top-seeded Midlakes to capture the Section V Class B volleyball crown Saturday afternoon in Bloomfield.
“My girls did not let down,” coach Hierlwimmer said. “I was very proud of how they just kept coming on strong point after point. I knew they had what it takes to make this win a reality, and they showed that today.”
Yes, they did, and Livonia took home their first sectional volleyball title since 2007.
Tournament MVP Hannah Ingram had a big-time performance with 15 kills and three digs while All-Tournament selections Caroline Cendoma and Ava Simmons also keyed the victory.
Simmons registered 12 digs with three blocks and one ace while Cendoma tallied nine digs with six aces and five kills.
Also for Livonia, Lillie Capecci was steady as ever as she contributed 15 assists to go with six digs, five kills and three aces.
Morgan Meys, who came up clutch in Livonia’s semifinal win over Mynderse, added five kills and two blocks.
Julie Renner also contributed nicely yet again with eight assists, two aces, two digs and one kill.
Livonia improved to 19-3 on the season and will take on the Section VI champion Southwestern Saturday at 10 a.m. at Victor High School.