Belding Volleyball Triumphs Over Central Montcalm in District Opener

Belding High School’s volleyball team secured a decisive victory against Central Montcalm in the opening round of the Division 2 district play on October 16, 2023. The Black Knights triumphed with a score of 3-1, marking their third consecutive win over the Hornets in postseason matchups.

This matchup has become a familiar one, as Belding and Central Montcalm have faced each other in the same district bracket since 2023. The previous encounters included a thrilling five-set match that saw Belding claiming the district title. In this latest contest, a strong start by Central Montcalm set the stage for a competitive game, but a spirited comeback from Belding in the second set shifted the momentum.

Belding head coach Kelly Groenenboom emphasized the importance of focusing on their own performance rather than being overly concerned about the opponent. “We know that Central Montcalm is a very scrappy team and they really showed that tonight,” she remarked, acknowledging the challenge posed by the Hornets. “Our attackers responded so well throughout the whole game, and I was so proud of them.”

The Hornets initially took control of the first set, leveraging their offensive momentum to establish a lead. A crucial tip over the net from Central Montcalm senior Jordan Peterson sealed a 25-19 win for the Hornets, giving them a 1-0 advantage. However, the Black Knights regrouped quickly, tying the match in the second set after a strong service run from freshman Macy Rehkopf.

Belding’s resurgence in the second set culminated in a closely contested finish, with a kill from senior Rylee Mooney leading to a 26-24 victory. Groenenboom encouraged her players to embrace the challenge, which proved pivotal in their performance. “Staying positive and continuing to find joy was going to allow them to find success,” she stated.

As the match progressed, both teams exhibited intense competitiveness. In the third set, the Hornets held a narrow 20-19 lead until a four-point run from junior Mia Hill tilted the momentum back in favor of Belding. The Black Knights closed out the set 25-20, showcasing their resilience and determination.

The final set saw Belding capitalizing on a strong service run from freshman Emma Johnson, leading to a decisive kill from Mooney. The match concluded with Belding’s victory, characterized by standout performances across the roster. Senior Ava Flynn led the offense with 15 kills, followed closely by Abigail Jakeway with 11 kills and Rehkopf contributing 31 assists.

Despite the loss, Central Montcalm head coach Taryn Muilenburg expressed pride in her team’s adaptability and growth throughout the season. “They’re very adaptable and very versatile,” she noted. “I’m really proud of them being mature and growing into those well-rounded athletes.”

Following this win, the Black Knights advanced to the district semifinal against Portland, which took place shortly after this match. As the postseason continues, both teams reflect on their performances, with Belding celebrating a significant victory on home turf. Groenenboom highlighted the emotional aspect of winning in front of their home crowd. “To get a postseason win in your home gym is such a good feeling,” she said, encapsulating the joy of the moment for her players.

As the season progresses, both teams look forward to building on their experiences and preparing for future challenges.