Birmingham

Seaholm volleyball wins regional title

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by David Schreiber Birmingham Seaholm’s Kathy Quigley spikes a shot against Troy High in a Class A regional semifinal Nov. 6 at Rochester High. The Maples won that match and went on to win the region in three games against Clarkston High. Photo by David Schreiber Birmingham Seaholm’s Kathy Quigley spikes a shot against Troy High in a Class A regional semifinal Nov. 6 at Rochester High. The Maples won that match and went on to win the region in three games against Clarkston High.

BIRMINGHAM — It took a full night and a drive to work for it to start sinking in for Birmingham Seaholm volleyball coach Heather Lippert.

The previous evening, the Maples kept their postseason run alive, beating Clarkston High in three games in a Class A regional final Nov. 8 at Rochester High.

It’s Seaholm’s first regional championship in at least 10 years, probably more, according to Lippert.

“You can’t stop time and take it all in,” she said just before another practice began. “You just have to keep living your life, but it’s great. I wish I could, just for a few minutes, stop and think about all the lovely things they’ve done and how hard they’ve worked. They’re an amazing group of kids.”

Seaholm played Macomb Dakota in a quarterfinal after press time. The winner heads to Battle Creek for the semifinals at 7:15 p.m. Nov. 16.

Win or lose, the Maples have had a postseason run filled with redemption and confidence.

For their district title, Seaholm beat perennial state power Bloomfield Hills Marian in five games, a team that had beaten the Maples twice during the regular season and has been on numerous occasions the program to end Seaholm’s season in districts.

The Maples also made good against Clarkston. The Wolves had beat Seaholm three times this season.

In the regional semifinal against Troy High, Seaholm also won in three games. In the regular season, it took five games to beat the Colts.

Lippert said the difference is that they’re playing as one unit.

“There’s not just one person that is contributing. There’s not one person leading the path. They’re all in it and supporting each other,” she said.

Senior Kathy Quigley agreed.

“We’re working harder than we ever have,” she said. “We’re not willing to lose, and every time the ball comes over the net, we’re working for that point.”

Quigley added that she didn’t expect as dominating of a run.

“At the same time, it’s something I’m trying really hard to take a grasp of as we keep winning and moving on,” she said. “This team is truly one of a kind and something I’m trying to cherish.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062. Follow Christian on Twitter.