CHEBOYGAN – The stage was set – one point to go.
In a crucial Northern Shores Conference volleyball showdown with Elk Rapids, the Cheboygan Chiefs needed someone to step up and finish things off.
As the final point was being played out, Abi Babcock – just 5 feet, 5 inches – was waiting for her moment on the left side of the court. When the ball was set up to her, she took her chance.
That was all she needed.
The Elks couldn’t handle the aggressive attack from Babcock, a senior who helped the Chiefs seal a thrilling four-set victory in Cheboygan last week.
For somebody who’s been at it with volleyball for a long time, she took in the moment.
“What I enjoy the most (about volleyball) is the excitement and being able to accomplish so much,” Babcock said. “It’s so exciting just getting one kill. Even if we don’t win the game, it’s still exciting.”
Babcock’s attack was more than good enough to win the match for the Chiefs, who continue to thrive this fall. In a team full of talented seniors, Babcock’s performances are a big reason why Cheboygan’s at where it’s at. Whether it’s her ability to convert those attacks, serve or defend, she’s one of the most versatile players on the squad, something her coach pointed out.
“She’s been able to serve, too, because she’s willing to play that back row spot in the rotation there, and she does a really good job there, too,” Cheboygan coach Jordan Barrette said of Babcock. “It’s cool that I have so many girls that I can just tell them to go play at a certain spot because they can interchange. If one’s missing, we figure it out because there’s enough girls to switch out and put in new spots.”
Despite not being a towering presence on the court, Babcock gets the job done on most nights. While it’s sometimes intimidating to face those taller players, she holds her own.
“I’m a little shorter so when big blockers go against you, it’s a lot harder, so tooling is a really big key,” Babcock said. “You basically have to just hit into the block and hope for the best.”
Barrette is very appreciative of Babcock’s all-around ability, and so are her teammates who have witnessed her progression into a vital contributor.
“Abi has been killing it lately,” Cheboygan senior Olivia Patrick said. “It’s been great. She’s just getting more confident and it’s great to see. She’s not in your face like Presley (Chamberlain) and me would be, but she’s just kind of the silent leader.”
Whether it’s high school volleyball, travel or practice, Babcock has put in the work to get where she’s at now. At the same time, she’s not satisfied yet, as there’s still plenty to play for. Babcock, along with those teammates she’s been with since sixth grade, want to finish their high school careers off in style.
“It started as a friendship, but it’s a family now,” Babcock said. “It’s so easy to play with everyone, we all get along so well, and we all just know each other well. One thing I’ll miss is the bond and love for the sport I have with everyone here. We’ve grown up a lot with each other. It’s going to be hard.
“I find it kind of sad in a way because it’s our last year, but that just motivates me to play my best and make sure we get as far as we can in our last season.”
Cheboygan hosts Harbor Springs in a conference match on Tuesday.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Abi Babcock coming up clutch, making most of senior year with Cheboygan volleyball
Reporting by Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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