The varsity volleyball team plans to continue an exciting and victorious season.  After winning five straight tournaments and pulling an impressive record of 27-1-1, the team has rocketed up on the charts and is ranked number one in the state.

“As a team, we’ve been working hard to build a strong offense, as well as defense,” said junior and returning varsity member Colleen Hadley. “Although we may not have the height that most teams have, our offense has grown to be smart players, which make them very effective.”

Just below Mercy Volleyball is Bedford, who was previously ranked first.  Mercy’s biggest Catholic League rival, Marian, comes in seventh, after losing to Romeo in the Program Cup this past weekend.

The Marlins are recovering from losing four seniors from the 2013-2014 season, but make up for it with 10 returning varsity players, and seven seniors. Among the new varsity members is freshman Lauren Hunter. She is starting as an outside hitter and proves to be an asset to the team.

“I think our season is going great,” said Hunter, “and I couldn’t ask for a more fun or supportive team to start off my MVV season with.”

Senior Jenna Lerg, four-time returning varsity player, also hopes to lead the team to victory this season. She is also in the running for the title of Miss Volleyball.  The last Miss Volleyball winner from Mercy was Maddy Doyle in 2011, which was Lerg’s first year on varsity.

“Even though we are already succeeding, we continue to improve every day in the gym,” said Lerg. “Each and every player plays a significant role on the team, which makes for a competitive environment at practice.”

The volleyball theme this year is ‘It’s a Marathon’, which signifies the team’s plan to work and train hard all season without losing sight of their goal: the state championship.

“We are looking forward to league and playoffs,” said Lerg.  “I hope we can prove that we are a powerhouse in the Catholic League and hopefully make it to Battle Creek where the top four teams play for states.”