Island Lakers Repeat as NLL Champs, First Time Since 2003
By David Latva

The Mackinac Island Lakers soccer team clinched its second consecutive Northern Lights League (NLL) championship with a 9-2 win over Grand Marais Friday, October 3, and earned a 1- 0 forfeit decision over the Polar Bears Saturday, October 4.

With the sweep, the Lakers' record this year improves to 12-1 overall and 8-0 in the NLL.

It is the first time the league has seen a repeat champion since Beaver Island did so in 2003 and 2004. It shared the 2003 title with Mackinac Island.

The Lakers were repeat NLL champions in 2002 and 2003.

At Friday's game, Paul Fisher and Shelbie Mosley shared time in goal for the Lakers.

Mackinac Island will host the Northern Lights League Tournament Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18. The Lakers will be the top seed in the tournament after winning the league crown. The remaining pairings are undecided at this time.

Lakers statistics: Robert Chambers, three goals, one assist; Kate Dupre, two goals; Tyler Cherwonka, one goal, one assist; Collin Armstrong, Austin Ruddle, Paul Fisher, one goal each; Tyler McLean, two assists, and Thomas Rilenge, one assist.

Recent NLL Regular Season Champions

2007 Mackinac Island Lakers, 2006 Beaver Island Islanders, 2005 Mackinac Island Lakers/ Paradise Rockets, 2004 Beaver Island Islanders, 2003 Mackinac Island Lakers/Beaver Island Islanders, 2002 Mackinac Island Lakers

Lakers Sweep Polar Bears in Volleyball

Mackinac Island Lakers volleyball team swept the Grand Marais Polar Bears during Northern Lights League (NLL) volleyball 25-23, 25-15, 25-16 Friday, October 3, and 25-17, 25-9, 25-15 Saturday, October 4.

Lakers combined statistics: Morgan Brodeur-Bunker, 27 points, eight aces, 93 sets, 28 good passes, three kills; Hailey Bean, 29 points, seven aces, six good passes; Maggie Chambers, 19 points, 10 aces, 17 good passes, five sets, four kills; Marie Bunker, 17 points, 12 aces, 39 good passes, eight kills, five sets; Arial Leeper, 12 points, four aces, 38 good passes, 21 sets, two kills; Kate Dupre, eight points, one ace, 18 good passes, six sets, five kills; Michi Mullings, five points, three aces, 42 good passes, 12 sets, eight kills; Zhane Nash, four points, two kills, one block.

"The girls have worked hard this season and that is why we are having a successful season," said Lakers Coach Terrie Armstrong. "The girls have a positive attitude and they communicate well on the court."

The Lakers, 10-1 on the season, will host a eight team invitational Saturday, October 11. The Lakers will compete, along with Beaver Island, Vanderbilt, Grand Marais, Northern Michigan Christian Academy, Maplewood Baptist, Paradise, and Wolverine.

Mackinac Island will host a tri-meet Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, with Hannahville and Beaver Island.

Lakers Sweep Black Bears on Volleyball Court

Mackinac Island Lakers volleyball swept Maplewood Baptist Academy Black Bears of Kincheloe (25-8, 25-17, 25- 20) Tuesday, October 7.

Lakers statistics: Danielle Wightman, 21 points, eight aces, 12 good passes, 15 sets, six kills; Morgan Brodeur- Bunker, 14 points, five aces, 35 sets, 10 good passes; Marie Bunker, six points, two aces, seven good passes, two kills; Arial Leeper, five points, nine good passes, three sets; Kate Dupre, five points, one good pass; Michi Mullings, three points, 10 good passes; Maggie Chambers, three points, five good passes; Hailey Bean, two points, one good pass.