Dakota’s volleyball team traveled to Henry Ford High School to play Sterling Heights Stevenson in the MHSAA regional semifinals. Previously, Dakota hosted Districts and received a first round bye. L’Anse Creuse North would advance to play Dakota and the Crusaders got off to a blazing start taking the first two sets. With their season on the line, the Cougars started the third set on a 22-2 point stretch which got the home crowd going crazy. Behind this energy and momentum, Dakota would take the last three sets against LCN and would later defeat Anchor Bay in the district finals.

In regional play, Stevenson took control early taking the first set by a score of 25-20. Dakota has been no stranger to being behind after the first set, as they have needed the opening set to warm up in many games throughout the season. In the second and third sets Cougars coach Tracie Ferguson got her team into a rhythm after taking a timeout to calm the Cougars down. With excellent play from Ella Lochbiler, Dakota secured both of these sets, needing to win one more set to advance to the regional finals. Sloppy play by the Cougars in the fourth set would allow a dramatic fifth set to take place. The Titans, with no remorse for ending the Cougars season got off to a 10-4 lead. The fifth set ends when one team gets to 15 points, not 25 like all the other sets, so Coach Ferguson would call another timeout to compose her team. Dakota’s libero, Kenzie Mertz, would go on a serving streak giving Dakota a 12-11 lead! Unfortunately, the Cougars season came to an end losing 3 sets to 2. Reflecting on the season, the team was very thankful for the play of the seniors and a wonderful student section. With the team comprised of mostly juniors and sophomores the future of Dakota volleyball looks bright.