As I watched the Grand Meadow volleyball team come up with a tough five-game victory in LeRoy last week, I noticed that the Superlarks (11-5-2 overall) have come a long way from last year.

The key to beating GM last season was simple, stop Jessica Benson and you’re probably gonna win.

That has changed a lot as Abbie Fay has developed into a devastating hitter right next to Benson and GM setter Kristine Gerber, who has 60 kills and 17 blocks on the season, has provided some hitting as well.

While it was clear Fay had athletic ability as a sophomore last season, it seems she’s mastered the art of timing her hits. The junior hitter has racked up 107 kills and 17 blocks for the Larks.

And while, Gerber, Fay and junior hitter Alex Swanson are providing a lift, Benson is still pretty formidable in her own right.

The senior has 131 kills and 33 blocks while hitting from the middle.

And while GM’s win over the Cardinals was an impressive feat, the thing that caught my eye was the crowd reaction.

Shortly after the match ended, the GM student section stormed the floor and celebrated with their volleyball team. It was a telling sight for a regular season match.

But it also shows how serious the Larks are about winning, and we’ll see how serious Tuesday night when they play at SEC power Mabel/Canton at 7 p.m.