Shelby Township, Utica

Eagles bow out after soaring high

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by David Schreiber Ike’s Claudia Martko (6) and Hailee Seifert (4) jump up at the net to make a play during regionals. The Eagles won a division and district title this season. Photo by David Schreiber Ike’s Claudia Martko (6) and Hailee Seifert (4) jump up at the net to make a play during regionals. The Eagles won a division and district title this season.

Utica Eisenhower’s volleyball season came to an end after a Class A regional semifinal loss to Clarkston High Nov. 6.

But the Eagles have no reason to hang their heads, having wrapped up one of the program’s best years in a while.

Ike finished 35-11-2, including going a perfect 10-0 in the Macomb Area Conference Blue Division to win a league title for the first time in at least 15 years. The postseason found the Eagles winning their first district title since 2009.

“I am very proud of the girls’ accomplishments,” coach Caitlin Maloney said. “They had all worked very hard and were mentally and emotionally prepared all season to meet our goals.”

Leading the team to those goals were seniors Meghan Kennelly, Theresa Quaderer, Claudia Martko and Katelyn Senkus.

“Our seniors definitely helped set the standard and were the drive behind this team,” Maloney said. “They were very enthusiastic and came through in critical times in games when we needed them to.”

And the program’s recent success shouldn’t leave with the seniors, as 10 players return from the regional roster — juniors Emily Rizzi, Rachel Wojcik, Hailee Seifert, Kayla Major, Megan Piper, Sydny Michalik and Victoria Genna, and sophomores Taylor Stewart, Korin Fletemier and Darian Elson.

“I think the girls returning have had a good taste of this season’s success (and will) want it that much more next year,” Maloney said. “These girls will continue to get stronger and will be able to push those that are going to be new to the team. We will have a lot of great leaders.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1040. Follow Jon on Twitter.