Clinton Township’s Chippewa Valley High School secured its first district volleyball championship since 2014 by defeating Utica 3-1 in a thrilling match on November 6, 2025. The victory marked a significant achievement for the Big Reds, who had faced disappointment in the district finals for three consecutive years.
Senior outside hitter Reagan Lesley, who has committed to play at NCAA Division II Michigan Tech University, played a pivotal role in the victory, delivering on her promise to her coach and teammates earlier this season. “I was going to do whatever it takes to win a district championship this season,” Lesley stated. Her performance included an impressive 26 kills, helping Chippewa Valley to a comeback win after dropping the first set.
The match unfolded on Chippewa Valley’s home court, where a large crowd witnessed the intense competition. After falling behind in the first set with a score of 15-25, the Big Reds adjusted their strategy. They rallied to take the next three sets, winning 25-23, 25-20, and 25-20, thus clinching the title. The championship was the school’s 12th overall since the inception of its girls’ volleyball program in the mid-1970s.
“It’s been so long. I’ve wanted this since my freshman year,” Lesley expressed after the match. “For the school, too. It’s been like 11 years since we’ve won a district, since 2014 I think. I’m so happy we finally got it done.”
Coach Chris Hull acknowledged the challenges his team faced in prior seasons. “We’ve had a lot of good teams over the years. But we’ve lost in the district finals the last three years. For whatever reason, we just couldn’t win one,” he noted. The coach praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We started slow but figured it out eventually and found a way to win.”
The Big Reds (23-12-2) will advance to the regional semifinals, where they will face unranked Oxford, which recently upset state power Clarkston to win its own district title. “We’re headed to the big-time now. None of these girls have ever been to a regional,” Hull reminded, highlighting the excitement surrounding the next phase of competition.
The match against Utica began with the Chieftains taking control early, quickly turning a 4-4 tie into a commanding lead. However, Chippewa Valley responded decisively. After falling behind 17-12 in the second set, a strategic time-out called by Hull allowed the team to regroup. Lesley’s five consecutive serves, including two aces, propelled a comeback that evened the match.
In the subsequent sets, Chippewa Valley maintained its momentum. They established small leads, with significant contributions from players like sophomore Ava Creech, who added 14 kills, and junior Karmen Owens, who recorded seven kills and five blocks. The teamwork and determination of the Big Reds shone through, particularly in the decisive fourth set, where they surged ahead with a 6-1 run.
Utica’s coach Jeff LaPratt acknowledged the challenge posed by Chippewa Valley’s performance. “We had a game plan and we did not let their outside hitter (Lesley) get going in the first game. But tonight we were off,” he said. Despite their strong start, the Chieftains could not maintain their advantage as the match progressed.
As the celebration of the district title began, the significance of the victory was palpable. For the players and coaches, it marked the end of an 11-year title drought, and for Lesley, it fulfilled a long-held aspiration. The focus now shifts to the upcoming regional competition, where the Big Reds hope to continue their successful run.
