Did you see that? (11/5-11/11)
November 13, 2012
Upsets all over the volleyball Regional brackets were among the most stunning highlights from the week’s non-football action across the state.
Volleyball
Upset of the week: In arguably the biggest surprise in any sport last week – football included – Class A honorable mention Grand Rapids Christian downed No. 1 and seemingly unstoppable Richland Gull Lake in five games to claim the Regional title at Portage Northern. The Eagles trailed two games to one before winning the final two. (Grand Rapids Press)
Upset, part II: Unranked Birmingham Seaholm added to its previous elimination of No. 4 Bloomfield Hills Marian by finishing a Class A Regional title by beating No. 2 Clarkston in three games. The Maples didn’t allow the Wolves to score more than 18 points in any of the three games. (Oakland Press)
Vikings sail on: Lakewood, the No. 1 team in Class B, trailed No. 3 Ada Forest Hills Eastern after three games. But the Vikings again finished strong to claim their fourth win over a ranked opponent of this tournament run. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard)
USA, all the way: Unionville-Sebewaing also pulled off a sizable upset, in Class C, claiming its second Regional title ever by defeating No. 2 St. Louis. The Patriots, an honorable mention in the poll, dropped the first game before coming back to win the next three. (Bay City Times)
First-time title: Powered by 6-foot-5 middle Abby Cole, Grand Haven claimed its first Regional title by sweeping Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central in Class A. Cole also was a star on the Buccaneers’ Class A Final basketball championship team last winter. (Grand Haven Tribune)
Swimming and diving
Milan tops in SMISL: Most swimming and diving leagues finished up conference competition two weekends ago. But Milan – an honorable mention in Division 2 – claimed one of the final meet titles, in the Southeasterm Michigan Independent Swimming League. Milan took only two first places, but edged Division 2 honorable mention Temperance Bedford, with Division 3 No. 7 Adrian finishing third and Division 3 No. 8 Tecumseh coming in fourth. (Monroe Evening News)
Soccer
Mr. Soccer is Mr. Lewis: Rockford’s Dewey Lewis was named this season’s Mr. Soccer by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association. Lewis was a four-year varsity player for the Rams, and will play next season at Michigan State. (Grand Rapids Press)
Bad Axe's Ranquist Meets Her Goal, Sets Another as Newest D4 Champion
March 2, 2024
MUSKEGON – Jasmyn Ranquist had one goal Saturday, and really this whole season – just improve on last year.
Her freshmen run in 2023 was a good one – she reached the Division 4 Quarterfinals. But it was time to take the next step.
She took a few.
The Bad Axe sophomore qualified fifth for match play at the Singles Final at Northway Lanes, then rolled through her first three matches before prevailing 366-344 over Memphis junior Lauren Castillo to clinch the championship.
“One of my friends told me that because the girl last year (Gobles’ Morgan Brunner) won three years in row, that I’m next to win three years in a row,” Ranquist said. “And we’re on year one, so I’m super excited for next year.”
Ranquist bowled a high of 201 during the morning’s six-game qualifying block, while Costello qualified third rolling a pair of 212 games to finish her six.
Ranquist then opened match play with a 416-357 win over Hudson sophomore Ellie Loar before really opening things up with a 492-294 victory in her Quarterfinal and 443-339 victory in the Semifinal.
Castillo, meanwhile, showed some grit winning a roll-off with Ravenna freshman Taylor Nutt in their first match out of qualifying. Costello then stacked victories of 57 and 53 pins on the way to the Final.
Ranquist took a 209-175 lead with the first game. Castillo bested her in the second, 169-157, but not by enough to close the entire margin.
Castillo also was returning to the Finals, for the third time, and reached match play for the first.
“Lauren is one of my close friends,” Ranquist said. “I met her at Regionals last year, and she’s just amazing. And I’m so glad I got to bowl against her in the Finals.”