NEW BUFFALO — Despite coming out flat, the Brandywine volleyball team was able to advance to the Class C District semifinals with a 3-0 win over Cassopolis at New Buffalo High School Monday.

The Bobcats, coming off an emotional victory over Buchanan in the Lakeland Conference championship match last Thursday, did not get out of its slump until about halfway through the second set.

After winning the first set 25-13, Brandywine edged the Rangers 25-20.

The Bobcats left no doubt in the third and final set, winning 25-9.

“We need to work really hard tomorrow to get ready for Bridgman,” Brandywine coach Carl Greulich said. “I thought Cass played us tough, especially in that second game. I told them during a time out, I said ‘hey girls, you are playing to not lose. I need you to play to win and refocus.’ Honestly, after that time out they took back control of the match. We set a goal for the third game and we almost achieved it.”

Seniors Mackenzie Shelton and Victoria Knight were a force at the net for the Bobcats as the pair combined for 25 kills.

“I was really happy to see that we were covering the short ball,” Greulich said. “When you get against better teams they are going to put that on you to try and get a side out. I think we only missed one tonight, so I’m really proud about that. Our net play was really good.”

Senior Jessy Cooper had another solid night setting and serving for Brandywine. She finished with 23 assists and had eight aces for the Bobcats.

First-year Cassopolis coach Ray Prestly was not happy with the outcome of the match, but is well aware that he has laid a foundation in which the Rangers can continue building upon next season.

“Tonight wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” he said. “My girls actually stepped up and did their job on the floor. I had younger kids that I brought up, so you are actually looking at my future program at Cassopolis. It went in the right direction.”

The Bobcats will now play another Lakeland Conference foe in the semifinals Wednesday as they take on Bridgman at 6 p.m.

The winner of that match will compete for the district championship Friday night.

 

Class C District Volleyball

at New Buffalo

Brandywine d. Cassopolis 3-0

 

Brandywine statistics

Kills

Mackenzie Shelton 14

Victoria Knight 9

 

Digs

Abby Cole 16

Ashley DeJonge 10

 

Blocks

Knight 2

Brooke Smith 1

 

Aces

Jessy Cooper 8

 

Assists

Cooper 23

DeJonge 8