Both FP and WIC volleyball teams continue winning games and fans

Up and over
Lady Wykons Junior, Danica Shamion, pops the ball over the defense during their home game against Gwinn on Sept. 6. The Lady Wykons won the game making their record 2-1 on the season. Their next game is Sept. 15 at home against Westwood. (photo by Kevin Zini)

By Patrick Browne
IRON RIVER/CRYSTAL FALLS – With a combined record of 5–1, the Forest Park Lady Trojans and West Iron Lady Wykons are giving the community something to cheer about. 
Both Bobbie Andersen, head coach for the Trojans and Konnor Bjorkman, head coach for the Wykons, are excited about their teams and are looking forward to a showdown when they meet on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. at West Iron.
The Trojans are undefeated at 3–0 on the season. With wins against Carney, Norway and North Central, the team has a strong first six and a bench that can support the effort. 
The girls are already playing to a large crowd of supporters who enjoyed seeing the team’s success in 2021.
In their first home game of the season on Sept. 6, the Trojans won in three: 25–10, 25–7 and 25–7.  Junior Lauren Kudwa was excited to see the crowd supporting the team.
     “The gym was full of energy, and our team had a great connection on the floor,” she said. Coach Anderson was pleased with the team’s play.
“We came out with a lot of energy and played aggressively throughout the entire game,” she said. “We hit the ball well and kept North Central out of sync; our serving was great. Ashlynn Kannich led us with eight aces followed by Ema Stepien with six.” 
Individual honors for the game went to Charlie Larson (22 assists), Leah Feldhausen (7 kills), Ashlynn Kannich (8 aces) and Emma Stepien (6 kills and 6 aces). Next up for the Trojans is Sept. 13 against North Dickinson at home. The game begins at 5:30 p.m.
After a recent victory on Sept. 6 against Gwinn, the Lady Wykons are a solid 2–1 on the season.  The energy is back after a challenging 2021 season.  
“The girls are working together on the court,” said Coach Konnor Bjorkman. “They have a positive attitude, are communicating well and feeling great about themselves and the season.”  
In their most recent victory, which saw an excellent turnout of both students and members of the community, the Wykons won 3–1: 25–17; 24–26; 25–20; and 25–19. 
 “We gave up a lot of points on missed serves,  but our passing looked a lot better tonight and defense overall was moving together,” Bjorkman said, later adding: “The girls were surprised with the turnout and the number of fans really gave them the energy they needed.”
While they are playing as a team, they have a number of players making meaningful contributions including Danica Shamion (15 kills), Calli Pellizzer (7 Kills), Haiden Gill  (5 kills), Kali Harty: (14 assists) and Lauren Shamion (10 assists).  
     Next up for the Wykons is Sept. 15 against Westwood at home following the JV match which begins at 4 p.m.