BY ED DAVIS
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Not a bad first year for Kelly Avenall.
The Clarkston varsity volleyball coach has not only led the Wolves to a share of the OAA I league title, but her Wolves captured Clarkston’s second consecutive district title with wins against Fenton and Holly March 6 at Holly High School.
‘It’s awesome. That’s something that rarely happens. I got the girls to do it. It’s not me,? Avenall said modestly after the win against the Broncos in the district final.
The Wolves drew a first round bye in the six team district and then went on to eliminate Fenton 15-8, 15-8 in the semifinal game. Clarkston then beat Holly in two games 15-12, 15-4. Clarkston never trailed the entire tournament. Holly did rally in the first game to tie the game at 12 after being down 10-15, but the momentary lapse didn’t hurt the Wolves, Avenall said.
‘Mainly it was just our passing. I just told them to focus and get back in the game. Take a deep breath and focus and play their game. I really wasn’t nervous. I knew they could come back out and do it,? she said.
‘We’re senior strong. Even when they’re down, they never think they’re going to lose. This is not a team that folds by any means,? she said.
Three of the seniors that Avenall said serve as coaches on the floor are Colby Gardner, Ashley Hudson and Caitlin McLean. Gardner had 19 assists in the title game while Stephanie Parkin added seven kills. Hudson’s strong play near the net towards the end of the second game against Holly helped the Wolves capture the championship.
‘Those three are solid leaders. The girls listen to them, they respect them,? Avenall said. ? Ashely’s so solid. She’s been solid for us all year. She’s the best all around girl we got.?
Holly stayed competitive early on in game two after tying the game at three, but then started to fold and scramble just to get into position. Clarkston meanwhile remained poised and focused on the task at hand.
‘Their serve reception wasn’t that good. We had them scrambling. We had them on their toes,? Avenall said.
Saturday’s two wins improved the Wolves? overall record to 26-11-2. The Wolves will play the winner of the Lansing-Eastern District March 13 at Howell High School. Exact times and opponents were not yet available at press time. Avenall gave her team Monday off to watch the Sashabaw vs. Clarkston Middle School volleyball game and then her team will return for a full week of practice before getting ready for Saturday’s regional. If Avenall has her way, the Wolves will draw another first round bye.
‘We got a lot of preparation to do this week. It’s a different level of competition. It’s possible (that we’d draw another bye). It helps tremendously. Only two games, you’re not as tired.?