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The Lady Trojans
By Patrick Browne
BATTLE CREEK - As Coach Bobbie Jo Anderson fought back tears in the post match interview, she stated what the entire Forest Park faithful felt, “We were so close. It was right there. It was within reach.”
However close victory was, however, it was not to be as the elusive state championship once again slipped away and what could only be termed a truly exceptional season came to an end for the Lady Trojans.
The team fell short of the long sought after State Championship when they lost to the Leland Comets in the State Semifinals on Nov. 17. The hard fought match was one for the history books as the Trojans and Comets battled through five sets.
Coach Anderson had her team ready for an historic run after winning the District and Regional Championships and quickly dispensing with Newberry in the State Quarterfinals on Nov. 14.
Following their 3 to 1 win over Newberry, the Lady Trojans gathered in the Forest Park gymnasium on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 15 for a final practice and a sendoff from the school and community. Banners were flying, students, teachers, staff and parents all lined the driveway in front of the school’s main entrance and a sense of mission accompanied the team as the bus pulled out of the parking lot shortly after 10 a.m. The team was on its way to Battle Creek for the State Semifinal.
As Friday morning dawned, and with the game slated for 1 p.m., teachers did their best to keep students focused on learning while students did their best to contain their energy. Classes were held until game time when the children gathered in the library, classrooms and common spaces, where the match was projected onto large screens. Children from 5 to 18 were dressed in their Trojan black and red and the day’s lessons now focused on grit, determination and the pride of a small town. A palpable energy coursed through the school and the roof seemed to pulsate as the ref blew the whistle to begin the match.
Leland went out to a quick 3-0 lead to start the first set and memories of last year’s loss began to surface. Would the Trojans be able to gather themselves and play with the skill which earned them a 36 and 3 record or would Leland quickly dispense with an Upper Peninsula team which didn’t belong playing downstate? As fans pondered the question, Leland continued to grow their lead to 7-1 and Coach Anderson called for a timeout.
Shortly after speaking to her team the Trojans settled in for the set and scrappily worked their way back into competition. Ava Fischer got a kill to put Forest Park on the board, Leah Feldhausen served an ace and the Trojans battled back one point at a time. Despite the effort, however, the first set went to Leland 25-17.
The second set saw Forest Park win 25-17 and the match was tied at one apiece. Leland took the third 25 to 18 and, with their back against the wall, the Lady Trojans willed their season not to end, coming through with a fourth set victory 25-21.
The team was within one set of advancing to the State Finals as the fifth set began. A victory would put Forest Park in the State Finals and remedy the stinging loss from the previous year. The only remaining Upper Peninsula team playing high school volleyball in the state of Michigan had just evened the score 2 to 2. Fifteen points were all that remained, with the winner advancing and the loser being forced to wait another year for another chance.
Leland quickly jumped out to a 13 to 4 lead in the final set and, with the season on the line, the Trojans battled back to close the set to 13 to 8 before their season slipped away. Leland finished the set winning 15 to 9.
For the second consecutive year the Lady Trojans gave their community a reason to cheer. Winter was put on hold as the community focused on the court rather than the clouds and the sparks of hope were reignited. The defeat was crushing. The effort that went into the season is truly unfathomable as the Trojans traveled thousands of miles, practiced hundreds of hours and worked for so many months in their quest that brought them so close and no further.
Leah Feldhausen, a First Team selection by the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, reflected on the loss, “I think we played our last game with confidence. All four seniors left it out there and the loss was fun, but very sad. We have been together for a long time and there were so many good friendships and memories.”
Fellow Senior Ema Stepien, four days after the defeat, had difficulty speaking about the season without choking back tears reflecting, “We knew it was now or never and it was never going to happen again. It was our last year playing for Bobbie Jo (Coach Anderson) and she has been with us since freshman year. It truly was something we didn’t want to end. We have to move on, we will grow from it and we will always have the memories of what could have been.”
Coach Anderson, in her usual style, graciously expressed appreciation, “I’m extremely proud of our team. The girls gave it their all and unfortunately we came up short. To say I’m proud is an understatement. I am appreciative of our seniors for their dedication and leadership, to our families, parents, staff members, students and everyone who traveled to Battle Creek or listened/watched from home. We truly appreciate the support. It takes a village and we are blessed to be part of the Forest Park Community and the Upper Peninsula!”
“I would like to thank our four seniors for their dedication and leadership over the last four years. They have been leaders on and off the court and I will miss them terribly next year.”
Playing in their last game for the Trojans were Lauren Kudwa, Charlie Larson, Ema Stepien and Leah Feldhausen. TheUpper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association named the Lady Trojans the Division Four Team of the Year and recognized Ema Stepien as Division Four Offensive Player of the Year, Ema Stepien and Ava Fischer for the Dream Team and Leah Feldhausen and Charlie Larson for the First Team.
Game Statistics
Ava Fischer - eight kills, 18 digs, three aces
Charlie Larson - one kill, 15 assists, 10 digs, one ace
Leah Feldhausen - six kills, two blocks, three digs, two aces
Ema Stepien - 11 kills, one assist, 12 digs
Lauren Kudwa - two kills, two assists, one dig
Audrey Franz - one kill, 27 digs, three aces
Elsie Williams - four kills, 18 assists, 11 digs
Ellie Ayers - six kills, two blocks, two digs