Manistique senior Alexis McDade (13) sets up senior Leah Goudreau (4) for a potential kill attempt during the third set of an MHSAA Division 3 regional semifinal volleyball match against Calumet on Nov. 12, 2024 at Gwinn High School. (Caden Sierra/Mining Journal)

GWINN –The Upper Peninsula rankings bore out the challenge that the Manistique High School volleyball team faced in its MHSAA Division 3 regional semifinal match against Calumet.

And the Copper Kings proved why they’ve been the No. 1 team in the U.P. almost the entire season with a three-set sweep at Gwinn High School on Tuesday evening, winning 25-17, 25-18, 25-5.

Calumet, now listed by the MHSAA with a 29-4-2 record, advanced to today’s 6 p.m. regional finals against Traverse City St. Francis in a match moved from the originally scheduled St. Ignace over to Sault Ste. Marie High School.

The Copper Kings took control from the outset against the Emeralds, who finish at 15-12-6.

Coming off a district title win over Iron Mountain, Manistique entered the semis with a head of steam, but Calumet, ranked fourth in the state to go with its No. 1 rating among U.P. Divisions 1-3 teams, quickly revealed its strength.

Copper Kings head coach Kate Bonacorsi noted her team’s all-around effort, especially its ability to settle into their rhythm as the match progressed.

“I feel like there were some uncharacteristic communication errors early in the first two sets,” Bonacorsi said, “but we were able to control the ball enough to pull away and create some space in those two sets.

“But in the third set, Jackie Kiilunen had a great serving run that allowed us to just get into our offense quickly and put a lot of pressure on their passers.”

Manistique head coach Amy Nixon reflected on her team’s journey and the challenges her players faced against a top-ranked team like Calumet.

“We knew Calumet was going to a tough team and so I knew it was going to take our very best night for us to be able to hang with them,” she said. “I thought in the first two sets, we did a lot of really good things that we can be proud of and look back on.

“My kids have really done a lot of good things all season, we beat some teams (when) we were undersized or undermatched against. And so, we have a lot of good things to feel proud (about).”

Calumet established control early, going up 4-0 in the opening set. While the Emeralds found their footing and leveled the score at 5-5 with a serving run by Clara Cunningham, the Copper Kings remained resilient.

With strategic play and a powerful front-line presence led by Kiilunen and Chloe Coppo, Calumet pulled away to take the set.

The second set began with a more balanced approach for each team with an early 3-3 deadlock. Leah Goudreau fought to keep Manistique within striking distance, closing the gap to 6-5.

However, Calumet regained control with a combination of powerful spikes and disciplined defense. The Copper Kings maintained their composure, extending their lead to 20-15 before closing out the set.

In the third, Calumet showcased its depth and poise, launching to an astonishing 10-0 lead as Allison Bjorn delivered a series of unreturnable spikes.

The Copper Kings’ dominance continued, with key contributions from Grace Keranen, who added crucial blocks to Calumet’s defense. Despite a late push by Manistique, Calumet ended the set in commanding fashion to end the match.

Looking ahead, Bonacorsi touched on the importance of maintaining momentum for the regional final against St. Francis.

“I mean, it’s going to get tougher, right?” Bonacorsi said. “(Today) is going to be a battle, and hopefully they’ll feel that confidence and momentum they felt (Tuesday), heading into (the) match.”