 For the second time in three years, the Grand Rapids volleyball team is headed to the class 3A state tournament. After going 0-2 the first time around, the Thunderhawks are looking to make a deeper run with a new squad. After falling in the section 7-3A final to North Branch last year, the Thunderhawks came back with a vengeance this season and a section title on their minds. For our section it was kind of for anyone to grab to get to state, so we just knew we had to show up and play our hardest and work our hardest every game and just really show up and be the team to take it. The team did just that, winning the title over Cambridge, I-Santi, while dropping only one set during the three game tournament. Our season's been kind of up and down, but the girls have really come together towards the end of the season which helped us with our success in sections. Drawing top ranked Egan in the first round of state, the Thunderhawks have a tough road to endure to secure a state title, but they believe the field is truly anyone's for the taking. We know that it's going to be a very hard game for us, but I think we can do whatever we put our mind to and we'll definitely out work them. That's kind of our goal, so I think it's anyone's game and anyone who ever shows up to play. I have a lot of confidence in us. And if they can play sound, team oriented volleyball, they say there's nothing that can stop them from making a run. It's going to take us working our butts off and just believing in each other. We always have to kind of rise to the challenge and I think it shows a lot about the character of our players. They're really determined to, you know, meet their goals and the things that they've set for themselves this season. And one of them was to get to the state tournament and we're there. But we talked to the girls about the fact that a lot of work went in to get there and they're there now, so it's time to just go and compete as hard as they can. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television. Thank you.