Bedford, SMCC win regionals, head to state volleyball quarterfinals

Bedford and St. Mary Catholic Central (SMCC) secured their spots in the state volleyball quarterfinals after each claimed a regional championship on Thursday. Bedford, representing Division 1, emerged victorious at Lincoln Park, while SMCC claimed a Division 3 crown at Whiteford. Both teams will return to the court on Tuesday to face Northville and Plymouth Christian in the quarterfinals, respectively.

The Bedford team, coached by Bree Russow who is also the mother of one of the nine seniors on the squad, showcased impressive teamwork to defeat Detroit Cass Tech with a score of 27-17, 19-25, 25-13, 25-16. Key contributors included Blair Russow, Bree's daughter, with 30 digs, Kenna Goulet and Anna Gray with 11 kills each, and Cady Fischer with 31 assists.

SMCC's team, coached by Randy Winham, featured a diversified attack, with Avery Yaeger and Bella Caladino leading the kill charts with 9 each. The Kestrels, ranked No. 8 in the state, will now face No. 3 Plymouth Christian in the quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, while Bedford looks forward to taking on Northville at the same time and venue.