Farmington Hills Mercy volleyball remains unbeaten after a four-set win at Orchard Lake St. Mary's, with senior Kate Kalczynski leading a roster stacked with height and experience as the team eyes another state title run
Farmington Hills Mercy volleyball kept its perfect season alive with a four-set win at Orchard Lake St. Mary's, marking the team's thirteenth straight victory. The Marlins, ranked No. 1 in Michigan Division 1, have yet to drop a match this fall and remain the team to beat as they chase another state championship. Mercy's success has become a point of pride for the Farmington Hills community, where high school sports are a big part of local life.
Wednesday's match was one of the few times this season that Mercy lost a set, but the team quickly regrouped to win in four (25-17, 21-25, 25-13, 25-9). Head coach Loretta Vogel made adjustments mid-match, helping the Marlins regain control. Most of Mercy's wins this year have been sweeps, with only two opponents managing to take a set. Their schedule, tracked by MaxPreps, shows a string of 2-0 victories in August and a 3-0 win over Notre Dame Academy on September 1. The public record lists just one loss so far.
Roster depth and standout players
Mercy's roster is built for dominance, with six players at least six feet tall. Senior outside hitter Kate Kalczynski, at 6-foot-2, leads the team in both experience and production. Now in her fourth varsity season, Kalczynski has committed to Penn State and is widely considered Michigan's top outside hitter. She's a leading candidate for the state's "Miss Volleyball" award and, as of September 14, had 149 kills in 29 sets, according to Prep Dig.
Setter Kaelyn Easton, who earned All-State honors as a freshman, and junior McKenzie Andrews, the team's tallest player at 6-foot-6, are key contributors. Junior Cydnee Drake and freshmen Val Marx (6'4"), Laura Aubrey (6'0"), and Cate Verkeyn (5'11") have also played important roles. In the win over St. Mary's, Kalczynski finished with 18 kills, while Aubrey and senior Avery Kapeller each added 17.
Competitive league and upcoming challenges
The Marlins play in the Catholic High School League's Central Division, which is especially tough this year. St. Mary's, a regular contender, won 26 straight matches last season and has dominated the Cardinal Division tournament. Detroit Country Day, new to the league, brings two straight Division 2 state titles. Mercy has already beaten Bloomfield Hills Marian, the state's No. 2-ranked team, in straight sets twice this season. Other strong programs in the league include Toledo Notre Dame Academy and St. Ursula Academy of Ohio.
With league play wrapping up next month and the state tournament ahead, Mercy is focused on staying sharp. Coach Vogel emphasizes composure and steady improvement, while Kalczynski credits the team's chemistry and trust in their training for handling pressure. The Farmington Public Schools district continues to support student-athletes and highlight their achievements at board meetings and community events.
Program culture and expectations
Mercy volleyball has won two state championships in the past three seasons and produced several "Miss Volleyball" winners. The coaching staff encourages a mix of freshmen and seniors, giving younger players a chance to contribute right away. Daily practices focus on endurance and adaptability, preparing the team for postseason demands. The City of Farmington Hills regularly recognizes local athletes through city council and community events.
As the regular season continues, Mercy's size, skill, and experience make them the team everyone is chasing in Michigan high school volleyball. Their ability to adjust during matches and rely on a deep bench has set a high standard. With Kalczynski leading and a roster full of emerging talent, Mercy is in a strong position to defend its titles as the postseason approaches.
