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Sports
By Patrick Browne
IRON RIVER — In one of the best volleyball matches in recent years, the undefeated Lady Trojans of Forest Park took on their rival Lady Wykons of West Iron on Oct. 17. The parking lot was full outside the Charles Greenlund Gymnasium, both teams were well-supported by large cheering sections and both teams came out to play.
The Lady Wykons entered the gymnasium through a tunnel of student supporters and broke out onto the floor ready to play. The Lady Trojans had an equal number of fans. The color pink was everywhere as both teams wore pink jerseys in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
As the match started it was clear the Wykons’ Danica Shamion was leading her team in an effort to unseat the undefeated Trojans. She approached each shot tenaciously and the Wykons were aggressively pursuing every point. Players ran down balls, collided with walls and were clearly giving their all.
The first set put the Trojans on their heels and Coach Konnor Bjorkman’s team did not let up. The Wykons won 25–21 and the hometeam gymnasium erupted. The Trojan streak of 11 wins in a row was at risk as the Wykons did what few have done this year in taking a lead on the Trojans.
The second set was equally exciting with myriad lead changes, few missed shots and some truly memorable volleys. The setters for Forest Park gave their team an edge as they lifted the volleyball into the air well within the ability of their teammates to spike and, despite the herculean efforts of the Wykons, they could not keep up the pace. The second set went to Forest Park 25–22 and the match was tied 1–1.
Forest Park kept up the pressure and wore down their worthy opponent. Neither team missed many hits and it was clear that despite an Alamo-like defense by the Lady Wykons, the relentless Trojans were not going to lose their first match of the season.
Set three went to the Trojans 25–14 as did set four 20–14.
The scoreboard was turned off and the crowd left the gymnasium knowing they had witnessed a volleyball match which will be talked about for years to come.
“It was an exciting night of volleyball,” said Trojan Coach Bobbie Jo Anderson. “I give West Iron a lot of credit, they fought hard and covered the floor well.”
Ellie Ayers, a Trojan standout, summed up the game.
“Coming off a strong win last night we went into the game ready to go,” she said. “Although we lacked confidence in the first set we were able to progress throughout the game, regain confidence and put up a fight until the end.”
Heading into the final week of play before tournament time, the Trojans remained undefeated at 12–0 while the Wykons fell to 7–4.