Bay City roundup: Western sings national anthem before volleyball sweep

BAY CITY, MI – The Bay City Western volleyball team prefers to start each match with the national anthem – even if the Warriors have to sing it themselves.

Here’s a look at that and other prep highlights for Oct. 6 in Bay County, as reported to MLive.com. Bay County coaches are asked to report results and highlights – along with at least one feel-good moment — the night of every game by emailing bcsports@mlive.com.

VOLLEYBALL

Western performance is right on key

It was a star-spangled night for the Bay City Western volleyball team.

Right from the opening note.

The Warriors went 2-0 in a meet with Saginaw High and Saginaw Arthur Hill at Midland, but delivered their most memorable performance before the action even started.

“We were told there would be no announcements of the players or national anthem,” Western coach Melissa David said. “My girls went up to the refs and told them they wanted to do the anthem. So we lined up and the other players followed and sang the anthem together with the three other teams in the gym.

“I guess that just proves the tradition of the anthem means a lot to them.”

Western downed Arthur Hill 25-10, 25-11, 25-13 and Saginaw 25-9, 25-9, 25-18 to put the Warriors on a three-game winning streak in Saginaw Valley League play.

Western was fronted by Courtney Neitzel with 30 assists while Eric Albrecht notched 11 kills, Lily Watson 10 and Savannah Sprague nine. Emily Lewis came through with 11 digs.

Central keeps stunning season rolling

Bay City Central hasn’t been perfect this season, but the results are extremely close to it.

After a slow start against Grand Blanc, the Wolves responded as they have all season, battling for a 19-25, 25-18, 25-14, 25-22 victory in Saginaw Valley League action.

“We have been working hard on our defense and it showed in this game,” Central coach Allison Sobczak said. “The girls worked hard at not letting anything hit the floor and being able to put the ball away. Defense was the reason we were able to pull out a win.”

The Wolves are now 15-1 overall on the year and 6-1 in league play.

All Saints can’t keep pace in setback

Bay City All Saints ran out of steam, falling to Mayville in four sets after taking the opener.

Mayville responded for the 23-25, 25-9, 25-14, 25-16 victory.

“We kind of hit a wall tonight,” All Saints coach Dianna Sutton said. “It’s just a little setback. We had a hard time finding our rhythm.”

Iris Costilla notched 18 digs for the Cougars while Nicole Spencer had nine digs and three kills.

GIRLS SWIMMING

Glenn going full-speed ahead

The John Glenn swimming team is firing on all cylinders, looking sharp in every event en route to a 135-48 victory over Caro.

“The coaches are impressed at how we are improving at swim meets and practices,” Glenn coach Mike Darbee said. “We have a month left in our regular season and we are putting things together nicely.”

Ryann Engelberts highlighted the meet by landing the first victory over her career for Glenn. She was joined among the event winners by Kaylene Darbee, Saree Schlitt, Katie Haag, Ella Yantz, Olivia Leasure, Belle Begres, Aubrey Lang and diver Gabby Lee. Darbee also praised freshman Calianna Ziegelmann for delivering a breakout meet.

BOYS SOCCER

Visiting Garber feels right at home in victory

Essexville Garber’s game at Birch Run had to be relocated due to field problems, and the Dukes felt right at home at the new location.

The game was moved to Garber’s home pitch at Verellen Field, where the Dukes powered to an 8-0 victory. Garber outshot Birch Run 16-1 to control the action.

Aidan Halstead scored three goals while Jack Day and Sam Fodrey each scored twice and Corey Shorkey punched in the first goal of the day. Day notched three assists, Halstead two while Kyle Richard, Max Lopez and Trey Tulin registered one apiece.

Garber completes the regular season by hosting Alma on Wednesday and playing at Bay City Central on Thursday.

RELATED READING

‘Slam Dunk’ from fairway is senior’s farewell to remember at golf regionals

Dan Pohl adds PGA Tour touch to Bay Valley scramble

Rivalry adds spark to soccer showdown

———

©2020 MLive.com, Walker, Mich.

Visit MLive.com, Walker, Mich. at www.mlive.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.