Clarkston volleyball Coach Kelly Avenall’s squad picked up a much needed and hard fought win against Troy Athens on Jan. 12. The victory was the Wolves first outside of a tournament this year.
?(Troy Athens) was a good win for us,? said Avenall
The Wolves certainly earned their victory against Athens, winning in five sets, 27-25, 25-13, 22-25, 23-25, 15-12.
Standing out individually for Clarkston was sophomore Julie Gillespie who had 15 kills in the match.
The volleyball team’s winning ways did not continue at the Grand Blanc Classic on Jan. 14. The Wolves, in going 2-4 on the day, ran into several teams with powerful middle hitters, a player-type the relatively small Clarkston lineup has problems countering.
?(Teams with good middle hitters) are the ones that are hurting us,? Avenall said.
On the day, Clarkston nabbed victories against Henry Ford and Detroit Renaissance but lost to Mason, host school Grand Blanc, Brandon and Goodrich.
Avenall felt junior Brittany Davis stood out for the Wolves at the Grand Blanc Classic.
?(Davis) worked well as a setter and did well in terms of being a leader out there on the floor,? Avenall said.
In addition to being used as a setter, Davis accrued 10 kills for the tournament.
In upcoming action on Jan. 19, the Wolves tangle with Groves on the road; a team who is also going through some growing pains this year.
‘Hopefully that will be a win for us. (Groves) is struggling as well, and they lost a few players from last year,? Avenall said.
Though the Wolves do not have a tournament over the weekend, Clarkston does travel to Rochester Adams on Jan. 23. Clarkston’s next home game is Jan. 26 against Troy High.