Lakeview Girls Volleyball Secures Historic District Title

The St. Clair Shores Lakeview girls volleyball team achieved a significant milestone by winning their first district title with a victory over Warren Woods-Tower on October 30, 2023. The match, held at Warren Mott, concluded with scores of 25-18, 25-22, 18-25, and 25-18, marking a historic moment for the program that has existed since the mid-1970s.

A Journey of Growth and Determination

Under the guidance of second-year coach Kevin Nugent, Lakeview has seen remarkable progress throughout the season. “My A.D. came over and told me that we’ve never won one before,” Nugent shared, reflecting on the significance of the achievement. With a record of 15 wins and 20 losses, the team faced challenges, particularly given their youthful roster, which includes only three seniors.

“If you came up to me in August and told me that we could beat anybody, I would have told you no,” Nugent admitted. “We only have one senior outside hitter, one senior setter, and one senior defensive specialist, along with eight sophomores. But we have worked hard and got better and better.” The coach recognized the potential for success when he analyzed the match pairings three weeks prior to the finals, believing that good performance could lead to victory.

Key Players Shine in the Finals

This match against Warren Woods-Tower was the fourth encounter this season, with Lakeview previously holding a 2-1 advantage in earlier competitions. “Each time we played them before it was at a quad and it went three sets in a best-of-three series. They were all close matches,” Nugent noted. The anticipated close battle materialized, especially after Warren Woods-Tower managed to take the third set. “We had to dig deep to be able to win the title,” he added.

Sophomore outside hitter Maddie Gough stood out with 11 kills, contributing significantly to the team’s effort. Setter CeCe Decker excelled as well, recording 22 assists, while Olivia Prajsnak led the defense with her digs and serve reception. Nugent praised Gough’s performance, stating, “Maddie had some really big kills at the right times,” and emphasized Decker’s vital role in orchestrating the team’s offensive strategy.

Warren Woods-Tower concluded their season with a record of 25 wins, 12 losses, and 1 tie. Following this victory, Lakeview is set to advance to the Division 1 regional semifinals, facing Birmingham Groves on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 19:00 at Birmingham Marian. Groves previously secured their spot by sweeping Berkley 3-0 in their district finals match.

The other half of the regional bracket remains undecided, with Marian set to compete against Bloomfield Hills and Grosse Pointe South taking on Detroit Renaissance in upcoming district finals.