There are no boundaries for the Oxford varsity volleyball team this season. Their talent, knowledge, and overall love of the game puts this team in every position to reach their goals, and their sights are set high.
The program has been in a rebuilding phase the past two years, but this year; the varsity squad is ready to break out. Under the guidance of head coach Kristi McDevitt, the Ladycats will battle for the top spot in the league, and use weekend tournaments as valuable stepping-stones in their quest for the district crown and beyond.
‘We are popping at the seams with talent and athletic ability this season,? McDevitt said, ‘but the key is putting all together and keeping it together, that is priority one.?
Oxford tied for second in the league with Lapeer West last season with an 8-4 record, and was knocked out in the first round of districts by FML champs Lapeer East.
‘Last year we competed very well within our range of competition and let a few close games slip through their fingers to tie for second instead of holding the honor ourselves.?
This year, with new talent and returning veteran players, Oxford is hoping to take it to the next level.
The varsity squad is returning four starters from last year. Senior captains Shana Jones, left side hitter, and Mykala Salquist, middle blocker, are both three-year varsity players and will be using their experience and leadership to set the pace for their teammates. Returning left side hitter Danielle Wicker boasted the most offensive kills last season as a sophomore, and junior captain Elizabeth Hazelwood will be returning as starting setter for the Ladycats. ‘Our biggest attribute are these four returning players,? McDevitt stated, ‘not only did they start at the varsity level as sophomores and juniors, they dominated.?
Returning varsity players, senior middle blocker Courtney Wright, junior right-side hitter Dayna Neef, and senior defensive specialist Lisa Reile have all improved over the summer and are looking to forge their way into the starting line-up this season along with first year varsity player, senior Ashley Seeling. The varsity squad is welcoming last year’s Junior Varsity squad with open arms, and for good reason. The JV team went undefeated in the league last season. Senior Gena Nelson and juniors Kaitlin DuCharme, Kaity Fischer, Amanda Jolly, Kristi Maxwell, and Katie Nieporte all offer the varsity line-up many options with their blooming abilities. The varsity roster also features lone freshman Brittany Moncrieff who is in position to gain valuable playing experience this year.
Overall, McDevitt is very optimistic of her team’s abilities. ‘I think that we will surprise a lot of teams with our defense this season.? McDevitt said. ‘These girls are a tenacious bunch and relentless in not letting the ball hit the floor. You can take your best shot at them and they will dig it up. I think that will frustrate a lot of teams that we face.? Oxford’s season is set to start this Saturday when they travel to the Imlay City Invitational. ‘We have to come out swinging and digging, and hopefully at the end of the day, we will have put ourselves in position to bring home the first place trophy.?