Local Sports

Onward Trojan spikers: Forest Park reaches final four

MARQUETTE -- The Forest Park Lady Trojans secured their spot in the MHSAA Division 4 state volleyball tournament semifinals with a 13-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-23 victory over Indian River Inland Lakes on Tuesday at Marquette Senior High School.

"Wow, what a match," FP coach Bobbie Anderson said. "We played as a team tonight and everyone contributed and played their hearts out which is exactly what you hope for at this point of the year. I'm super proud of these girls and all their hard work. We are looking forward to representing the U.P. in Battle Creek."

"We are all so excited about the win," junior middle hitter Leah Feldhausen added. "We knew what we had to do and came together as a team to accomplish it."

With their victory, the Lady Trojans advanced to face Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in a semifinal match at 2 p.m. Eastern time today at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. The Irish defeated Leland in four sets to earn their berth in the final four. The other semifinal will pit Athens against Lansing Christian.

In Tuesday's semifinal, Indian River Inland Lakes started out fast. taking a seven-point lead, much to the dismay of the partisan Forest Park crowd. Anderson called timeout with her team down 7-1, but back-to-back kills by Natalie Wandrie ensured Inland Lakes would win the first set.

"We lost the first set and that has been typical for us in the (tournament) run," Anderson said. "We get a little intimidated and a little nervous. We have a young team, with one senior that plays, and the rest are young ... so it takes a little bit for us to settle in.".

But Forest Park seemed to start the second set with a renewed sense of energy, putting the Bulldogs on the defensive. Inland Lakes struggled to stay up and called timeouts trailing 10-4 and 17-10, but like for the Lady Trojans in the first set, the timeouts didn't make much difference as FP evened the match.

With minor resistance from the Bulldogs, the Trojans won the third set as well.

"Great… was the first set, everything after was not our best," Inland Lakes coach Nicole Moore said. "We've been playing very well so this is very unlike us."

A contentious fourth set started with the Bulldogs taking the lead. On the offensive, they forced the Trojans to pause and think about their strategy with a timeout even as Forest Park led 12-8.

Inland Lakes managed to tie it 13-13, which is when the real race began. The lead changed hands several times, prompting a Bulldogs' timeout while up 20-19. A final timeout for Inland Lakes was called when they fell behind 23-22.

In the end, an intense hit by Wandrie landed out of bounds, giving the Trojans the match-ending point.

After her team's victory, Anderson reflected on how her team has been able to keep its belief even though it has played from behind during much of the tournament run.

"It comes from themselves and each other," Anderson said. "They keep each other up and they dig deep when they have to. Our goal is to go down fighting regardless. They are determined, hardworking girls."

Sophomore middle hitter Audrey Franz played one of the finest matches in young career, finishing seven kills, three blocks, four digs, three assists and two aces.

"Audrey had a great night," Anderson said. "She made some really smart choices which was key. She hasn't been feeling well lately so it was nice see her back to her old self."

Franz had plenty of help across the net as Feldhausen put down seven kills, freshman outside hitter Ava Fischer chipped in with five kills and two blocks and junior outside hitter Ema Stepien registered four kills and seven digs.

With four quality hitters, Forest Park is a difficult team to defend.

"When one player is off, another one steps up," Anderson said. "I think that's part of the reason why we have been so successful. We are a well-rounded team and I think that's what sets us apart."

Junior setter Charlie Larson steered the ship with 11 assists, while Ashlynn Kannich led the back row with 15 digs. Kannich and Fischer fired four aces each and Lauren Kudwa contributed three assists and a block.

And now on to the next match, which if the Lady Trojans win, would be their first state volleyball finals appearance.

"We are running on little sleep but lots of excitement and adrenaline," Anderson said. "We are staying focused but yet trying to cherish and embrace every moment. I'm proud of these girls and I am so thankful for the support we have had from our school, parents, student body and community."

Daily News sports writer Jerry DeRoche contributed.