Lutheran Northwest collects first regional title since 1994 with sweep of Liggett
By Dan Fenner For MediaNews Group
MADISON HEIGHTS | Not since 1994 has the Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest volleyball program come so far.
The Crusaders dominated their way to a Division 3 regional title Thursday, sweeping past Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 25-14, 25-13, 25-7, to advance to the state quarterfinals for the first time in 25 years.
Making the feat even sweeter, Lutheran Northwest’s victory provided redemption after last year’s team had seen its postseason end at the same stage in the same gym (Bishop Foley). This time was different.
“I think experience does have a lot to do with it. We had some key returning players who were able to carry the feeling of competition and championship since August,” Crusaders coach Heather Lower said. “I feel like having that early mindset of ‘this is what it’s all about,’ and thinking to this moment, that mental state … They’ve been prepared for this all season.”
+37 Lutheran Northwest vs. Liggett regional volleyball photo gallery
Through each of the three sets Thursday, a distinct pattern emerged. Lutheran Northwest and Liggett would trade early points, but quickly diverge in the middle stages. In fact, the Crusaders ripped off a 7-0 scoring run in every frame to build up steam for an easy finish.
“This is the first team that I’ve coached in a long time that’s able to make that early-to-mid-game run and to figure out, step-by-step, how (an opponent) is going to look on this set, what their strengths are, what are our strengths,” Lower said. “From a volleyball education standpoint, the girls really understand the game, which is impressive. They really know who to go after and what strategy to use.”
Junior Sabrina Gottschalk led the Crusaders with a match-high 14 kills, while senior Natalie Nelson recorded 11 digs and four aces. Senior Nicole Shore added four aces of her own, as Lutheran Northwest found ample success at the service line to create trouble for Liggett in establishing a rhythm.
“After Tuesday, a scrappy match, I was so proud we were able to execute our game tonight,” Lower said, referring to her team’s sweep of New Haven in the regional semifinal. “I’m not surprised that we played so well because that’s what we’re capable of and that’s what I know we can do. But I’m very pleased that we really brought it and finished it off the way that we should.”
The Crusaders (23-15-1) will take on either Saginaw Valley Lutheran in the quarterfinals on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Burton Bendle High School.
Lutheran Northwest has yet to drop a single set through five postseason matches.
