John Raffel

Sports Scene

Tim Zerull is coaching a Midland volleyball team that enters the late stages of the season with a 39-9 record.

“I’m pleased with how well we’re playing,” he said. “We’ve won three tournaments overall, and we’re getting ready as the season winds down to challenge for championships. We’re playing at a high level and keeping our focus on what’s important in having success, and that’s serve and serve reception. It’s something we try to emphasize as a team.

Standouts include senior outside hitter Grace Rekeweg.

“She’s leading the team in kills with 427 and is averaging almost five kills a game in the 93 games she’s played,” Zerull said. “She’s also leading the team in aces. Grace is the offensive leader on the court. She is a force to be reckoned with. She’s a strong outside hitter and is very athletic. Her enthusiasm is infectious for the rest of the team.”

Another effective outside hitter has been senior Peyton Gerstacker, who had 246 kills or 2.4 per game. She’s second in service aces with 55.

The setter has been senior Alexandria McMath, who is at 955 assists and 9.4 assists per game and is third on the team in service aces with 53. “We try to get the ball to Peyton as much as we can and it’s a pretty easy game when those things are happening,” Zerull said.

Those three seniors have been leading the attack for the Chemics throughout the season.

In a recent tournament game victory over Caledonia, Rekewig had 12 kills while Gerstacker had five. Rekeweg also served for five aces. Gerstacker had eight digs while Rekeweg and junior Katherine Perry had seven apiece. McMath had 23 assists.