Macomb Lutheran North senior middle hitter Leighton Garner (7) hammers this ball over the net in a game against Richmond on Sept. 15, 2026. Garner and the 31-2-0 Mustangs are ranked sixth in the state in Division 2 and enter the Blue Water Area Conference tournament as the No. 1 seed. (DAN STICKRADT — MediaNews Group)

When Macomb Lutheran North captured the Macomb BCD Tournament last weekend, it was another sign that the state-ranked Mustangs are for real.

Off to the best start in school history – all for a program that was established back in the late 1970s – Lutheran North is 31-2-0 overall and how has an unbeaten record in the Blue Water Area Conference at 7-0. That included a five-set thriller win over state powerhouse North Branch – a program with multiple state championships and Final Four appearances – in the school’s very first BWAC game on Sept. 10.

The team’s two losses have come against quality programs, including a three-set loss to Division 1 Port Huron Northern (19-4-0 overall) back on Aug. 25, while the Mustangs’ other setback came in a five-set thriller to Division 2 second-ranked Detroit Country Day on Oct. 15.

“We were right there with Country Day, one of the best teams in the state, and lost that fifth set, 18-16,” noted Lutheran North coach Paul Drdul. “I knew we would have a good team this year. We have several girls that are in their third year (on varsity). But I wasn’t sure how we would do in the BWAC. Last year we were competitive in the Catholic League (AA Division) and lost in the conference tournament finals.

At the Richmond-hosted BCD Tournament, Lutheran North continued its impressive season by going 6-0-0 to take home the title and jettison the team’s record to over on the day to win the BCD Tournament. The Mustangs defeated Warren Regina, Chesterfield Austin Catholic, Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, Armada, Richmond and New Haven to capture the tournament championship.

Juliette Godwin led the Mustangs with an outstanding all-around performance, recording 25 aces, 66 assists and 18 digs. Godwin capped off her serving performance against New Haven by serving 25 consecutive serves in a perfect set to close out the game. That is one of the best single-set performances in school history.

Eleanore Martin also had a strong day, finishing with 40 assists and 16 digs. The Mustangs’ offense was led by Lily Verbeke with 29 kills. Delaney Behring added 27 kills, 6-foot-2 Leighton Garner contributed 23 kills, while Lily Leinberger slammed 19 kills.

Senior libero Victoria Burnham anchored the Mustangs’ defense with 46 digs and 42 receptions while also contributing 22 assists. Peyton Kraatz had 18 digs and 28 receptions. Sammy VanSteenkiste was also impressive by recording 10 kills, nine aces, 21 digs and 42 receptions.

Macomb Luthern North's Eleanore Martin conducts this jump serve in a game against Richmond on Sept. 19, 2026. Martin and the state-ranked Mustangs are off to a 31-2-0 start this season. (DAN STICKRADT -- MediaNews Group)

The overall balance – it’s what makes this team special, according to Drdul.

“We don’t really have that one player. It’s always a total team effort,” said Drdul. “We have players that play their parts. It all starts with our setters, and then it leads to our middles and outside hitters. Defensively, we have done a great job on serve receive and keeping the ball in play. As a team, we serve (at a high clip).”

Lutheran North will visit United Wholesale Mortgage in Pontiac, site of the annual BWAC league tournament which begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The Mustangs, who currently have eight points atop the BWAC standings are the top seed of the eight-school tournament.

“We’re in first place right now so we still have a chance at winning the (overall) league title,” said Drdul. “There’s a chance we could win this tournament which would give us the overall title. There’s also a possibility that we could see North Branch again.”

Lutheran North celebrated Senior Night in style Wednesday evening, sweeping Almont in straight sets, 25-8, 25-12, 25-14.

The Mustangs were led by their seniors, who made significant contributions on both sides of the net. Senior Victoria Burnham anchored the defense with 15 digs, 12 serve receptions, and four assists. Middle hitters Delaney Behring and Leighton Garner dominated at the net, with Behring recording seven kills on 11 attempts and Garner adding six kills on 10 attempts. Both middles also contributed three blocks apiece. Marian VanSteenkiste added five kills and two blocks.

Lutheran North also received strong contributions from its underclassmen. Sophomore Juliette Godwin dished out 14 assists while adding three aces and six digs. Junior Lily Verbeke led the Mustangs’ offense with eight kills and added four aces from the service line. Junior Eleanore Martin contributed 10 assists, six digs, and one ace.