Forest Park Trojans score regional victory in volleyball

By Patrick Browne
CRYSTAL FALLS – In front of a packed gymnasium on their home court, the Forest Park Lady Trojans defeated the Jeffers Jets of Painesdale in four sets, securing a spot in the Division 4 State Quarterfinals.  
With the victory, the Lady Trojans are one of just eight remaining teams in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Division 4 statewide competition. The team will play Indian River Inland Lakes on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Marquette High School for the right to advance to the State Semifinals.  
The last time Forest Park was this close to a state volleyball championship was six years ago. 
Matches with this gravitas are rare and should be cherished. Fans fortunate enough to attend will, years from now, recall the epic battle. Those who did not attend will know they missed a moment in time.
It was clear from the opening set that Forest Park was ready to defend its home court. The Trojans looked strong in warm-ups and got out of the gate quickly to build an early lead.  It looked as if the first set would be credited to the Trojans without a fight.  
The Jets, however, had not come to the Regional Championship to lose, battling back to take a 19–17 lead before Forest Park Coach Bobbie Jo Anderson called a time out, calmed her team and closed the door — Forest Park won the first set 26–24.  
The Jets took the second set 25–22 and the match was tied at one.  
Sections for both teams were filled to capacity, and the cheering crowd added to the tense atmosphere. 
The points seesawed and victory was never out of reach for either of these well-matched opponents.  
“I would like to thank all our parents and fans for their support tonight,” Anderson said after the game. “They created a fun, energetic environment for us to play in.”
The Jets would battle to take a lead and the Trojans would claw their way back. The Trojans would win two consecutive points and the Jets would answer. 
While the young would cheer, the elder members of the community grew increasingly quiet, seeming to wonder if this would be the last time they would see the Trojans so near a state championship.
Forest Park Senior Captain Ashlynn Kannich, who more than once saved a ship that was only a few points away from the depths, shared her love for the game.
“We have been working all season for games like this,” she said.  
As Forest Park emerged victorious in the third set and pulled away to take a five-point lead in the fourth and potentially match-winning set, the Jets refused to quit. 
The Trojan’s opponent stemmed the tide by winning four straight points before the Trojans scored the 25th and deciding point in the fourth set. 
The Trojan community stormed the court as the girls collapsed in joy and relief. Three more wins and the impossible will have happened. Two more wins and the Trojans will be in the state finals. One more win and the team will be crossing the bridge in what has been a magical season. 
It’s on to Marquette to battle with Indian River Inland Lakes!