BUMP, SET, WIN! Canton rallies to upend ‘Cats in Pink Out match
Abigail Valenzuela executes a swing during Tuesday’s victory over Plymouth.
Through sickness and in health, Canton senior captain Abigail Valenzuela has played at an All-Conference level, Cobra Head Coach Jason Krause emphasized following Tuesday night’s Pink Out match against Plymouth.
Despite feeling less-than-100% throughout Tuesday night’s rivalry Pink Out match against the Wildcats, Valenzuela shined, leading the Cobras to a 3-1 comeback victory.
“When I joined the program (this past summer), I watched film from last year and looked at the stats, and immediately identified Abigail as one of the best players returning in the KLAA,” Krause said. “She has been fantastic. She plays consistently hard, she has 100% of my trust and she’s our quiet leader.”
After accumulating a team-leading kill total, Valenzuela closed out match point with a laser kill from the left side that glanced off a pair of Plymouth blockers’ hands before falling harmlessly hitting the floor on the Wildcats’ side of the net, igniting a well-deserved victory celebration by the Cobras.
Climbing in standings
The result improved Canton’s record to 2-3 in the KLAA West Division and 3-3 in the conference.
Plymouth slipped to 0-5 and 1-0, respectively.
Early on, it appeared it may be the Wildcats’ night.
Fueled by strong front-row play from Dakota Parnell, Leah McCully and Jasmine Johnson, Plymouth won the first set rather handily, 25-16.
Shifting momentum
Whatever message Krause and his coaching staff relayed to his team during the break between the first and second sets resonated, as Canton grabbed the final three sets by the identical score of 25-17.
“Other than the first set, this is how we’ve been playing since conference play started,” the first-year Canton head coach said. “This team has the ability to forget about stretches when it doesn’t play well, re-set and play like they’re capable of playing.
“I believe in them and they believe in each other. I’m extremely proud of all of them.”
Several standouts
In addition to Valenzuela, the Cobras received strong efforts from junior setter Lily Swan, sophomore middle hitter Maya Turner and libero Aarohi Patel.
Senior captain Pranavi Akupatni also contributed multiple momentum-securing kills, and junior front-row standout Taylor Besco also sparkled for the winners.
Canton held multiple fundraising events to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness, including a raffle and bake sale.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
