Four named to all-region volleyball squad
The Rogers City Hurons had a tough act to follow after a previous year of being the state semifinalists. This year coach Kristy Smolinski had a young team that included three freshmen and seven juniors. The varsity team finished the 2003-2004 season as co-champions in conference with a 21-4 record matched by St. Ignace.
Still, the Michigan Volleyball Coaches Association voted RC?s Ashley Fleming, a junior, on the State?s Honorable Mention Team. In the Straits Area Conference, Ashley along with teammate Megan Hanson was named First Team. Lindsey Fleming and Becky Bruning were named to Second Team honors. Ashley and Bruning were also accorded All-region honors.
According to Smolinski, members of the ?Dream Team? at the regional level went to Ashley Fleming of Rogers City, Brooke Zulski and Brooke Hahn of Pellston, Andrea Ruhlman of Charlevoix, Jessica Fox of Harbor Light Christian, Callie Moore of Cheboygan, and Kaitlyn Gouin and Erin McLain, both of Alpena.
?We ended our season a little earlier than we wanted, but we had a very young team this year,? Smolinski said. ?This added to some of our struggles throughout the season.? Smolinski said the players had improved ?enormously? with each game and as the season progressed they came together as a team.
?They became more comfortable with each other and have prepared themselves for next year,? Smolinski added. ?Great job this year, girls. I?m very proud of you and can?t wait until next season.?