Battle Creek, Mich. — November 23, 2024
The Northville High School volleyball team etched its name into history on Saturday, capturing its first state championship in program history with a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Rockford Rams at Kellogg Arena. After falling short in the state finals in 2022 and the semifinals in 2023, the Mustangs (41-2) overcame past heartbreaks to emerge as champions, defeating the Rams 26-24, 25-16, 25-27, 25-22.
Led by senior twins Molly and Mallory Reck, senior setter Ella Craggs, and junior libero Giselle Burlingame, Northville completed a journey years in the making. Each had experienced the team’s prior close calls, and this time, they delivered a championship performance for their teammates, fans, and the alumni who had paved the way.
Key Contributions Across the Board
The Reck twins dominated the attack, combining for 46 kills—26 from Molly and 20 from Mallory. Their performance was bolstered by Mallory’s 15 digs and Molly’s 10. Burlingame was a defensive powerhouse with 18 digs, while junior Kaylyn Tuck added seven kills and four blocks. Senior Brooke Feller contributed six crucial blocks to help neutralize Rockford’s offense.
The Mustangs nearly secured a sweep, reaching match point in the third set before Rockford staged a comeback to take it 27-25. However, Northville stayed composed in the fourth, erasing a late 20-16 deficit with a 9-2 run to seal the victory. Mallory Reck’s clutch serving, which included back-to-back aces to end the match, capped off an unforgettable night.
A Season for the Ages
The Mustangs’ championship capped a remarkable season, including a 30-1 record in their final 31 matches. Saturday’s win extended their streak to 10 consecutive victories, showcasing their dominance throughout the year.
Seniors like Craggs and the Reck twins played pivotal roles in Northville’s rise to prominence. Craggs, committed to Illinois State, orchestrated the offense with poise, while Molly and Mallory, bound for Oakland University and Marist College respectively, demonstrated their leadership and skill in every match.
A Community Celebration
The victory resonated far beyond the court. Fans packed Kellogg Arena to cheer on the Mustangs, creating an electric atmosphere. The triumph marked the culmination of three years of determination and hard work, uniting the team and community in celebration.
For Northville volleyball, the future looks bright. With junior standouts like Burlingame and Tuck returning next season, the program is poised to build on this historic achievement.
As the championship banner is raised in Northville’s Main Street hallway, this year’s Mustangs will forever be remembered as the team that broke through, bringing home the school’s first volleyball state title and inspiring future generations to dream big.
Go Mustangs!