Spartans fall in district finale

IMLAY CITY — Fifth-ranked Imlay City pushed fourth-rated North Branch to four sets, before dropping a 14-25, 18-25, 25-19, 19-25 verdict in a Division 2 district championship match it hosted last Friday night.

With the decision, North Branch improves to 44-10-3 overall. Imlay City watches an outstanding 26-11-1 season reach an endpoint.

North Branch played very well led by number 8 Aubree Deshetsky,” Imlay City Coach Rachel Van Dyk commented. “We did our best to prepare for her but nothing could have prepared us for how well she played last night,” she noted.

“Our stats show she had 35 kills. We wish them the best luck in the state tournament.”

While the outcome, was not what she had hoped for, Van Dyk took solace knowing her team enjoyed a successful 2024 campaign.

“I am proud of the progress our team has made this season as players and teammates,” Van Dyk said. “Though it was wasn’t the end we hoped for we still had a great season and were the first volleyball team to bring a BWAC championship to Imlay City in 18 years (sharing the top spot with North Branch).”

For the evening, Chloe Bruman and Emma Keeping provided Imlay City’s top hitting credentials. They cranked out 14 and 13 kills, respectively. Yannet Zepeda (three kills), Makayla Bruman (two) plus Makenzie Craven and Evelyn Roberston (one each) supported their performances.

Zepeda (15), Makayla Bruman (13), Chloe Bruman and Keeping (11 apiece), Lyla Russell (10) and Craven (one) registered Imlay City’s digs.

Robertson (three) plus Makayla Bruman, Keeping and Craven (one each) contributed Imlay City’s blocks.

Faith Schriber (two), plus Chloe Bruman, Makayla Bruman and Russell (one apiece) managed Imlay City’s ace serves.

Imlay City also received 17 set assists courtesy of Makayla Bruman and 13 courtesy of Keeping.