vball recap

The Hemlock Varsity Volleyball team closed out a strong 2025 season with an overall record of 20-14-4, marking a year of growth, teamwork, and steady improvement for the program.

Under the direction of first-year Head Coach Maggie Muter-Devericks, the Huskies competed through a challenging and competitive schedule that helped them continually elevate their play. Despite being a young squad with only three returning players, one of whom was sidelined by injury, the team came together and began to truly click as the season progressed.

“This year’s team faced a lot of new experiences and challenges, but they stayed together and pushed one another to get better every day,” said Muter-Devericks. “By the end of the season, they were playing for each other and showing what Hemlock Volleyball is all about.”

Throughout the year, Hemlock delivered several standout performances, including strong showings in the BCC Tournament where they placed in the Silver Division, and Gold Division finishes at the Midland Dow, Ithaca, and St. Louis Tournaments. The Huskies also made an impact off the court by raising more than 400 dollars for mental health and breast cancer awareness.

Statistically, the team showed balance across all areas of play:

Kills: 856 total (6.7 per set), led by Layne Robinson with 192.

Blocks: 200 total (1.6 per set), led by Layne Robinson with 95.

Aces: 208 total (1.6 per set), with Maycee Vanderwall leading at 39.

Assists: 774 total (6.1 per set), led by Laci Harry with 558.

Digs: 1,227 total (9.7 per set), led by Ava Stroud with 354.

Top hitting percentage: Sage LaVigne at .236

Coach Muter-Devericks praised her team’s energy and work ethic, noting improvement in serve receive, defense, and offensive aggression. “We really grew as a team in understanding how to be smart and intentional with the ball,” she said. “The defense gave everything they had every match, and our hitters became more confident and aggressive as the season went on.”

Several athletes earned recognition for their outstanding contributions:

TVC All-Conference First Team: Ava Stroud

TVC All-Conference Honorable Mention: Laci Harry and Layne Robinson

MIVCA All-Region: Ava Stroud

TVC All-Academic Team: Ella Thom, Kinsley Conger, Lily Wenzel, Ryleigh Bain, and Lyndsey Lyscas

TVC Sportsmanship Award: Kinsley Conger

The Huskies also took time to honor their three seniors, Lyndsey Lyscas, Lily Wenzel, and Brooke Gustin, for their leadership and contributions throughout the season. It was especially meaningful that these seniors celebrated their Senior Night in the new Legend Gymnasium, creating an unforgettable moment to close out their high school volleyball careers. “We will miss their guidance and the steady presence they brought to our team,” said Muter-Devericks.

Coach Muter-Devericks also extended a heartfelt thank you to team manager Hannah Villalpando for her dedication and commitment throughout the season. Additional thanks were given to the Hemlock Sports Boosters, Director of Athletics Angela Pohl, and the team parents, Leslie Thom, Jessica LaVigne, Jamie Bain, and Brian Bain, for their support in helping the season run smoothly.

Looking ahead, the Huskies return nine players next season, setting the stage for even greater success. “We hit our goal of 20 wins this year,” Muter-Devericks said. “Next season, with the experience this team has gained, I believe we can exceed that.”

With a foundation built on teamwork, discipline, and mutual support, the future looks bright for Hemlock Volleyball.