BY ED DAVIS
Clarkston News Sports Writer
The Clarkston High School varsity volleyball team isn’t coming off the ideal weekend heading into district play, but head coach Kelly Avenall likes her team’s chances nonetheless.
The Wolves capped off their regular season by going 4-1-1 in a weekend tournament at Andover High School and lost to Anchor Bay in the finals 13-15, 15-5, 11-15. However, the Wolves will head into district play, which is set to begin Saturday at approximately 2:30 p.m. at Holly High School, with a 23-11-2 overall record. The Wolves also captured a share of the OAA I league title by going 10-2 in league play. Clarkston shares the league title with Bloomfield Hills Lahser. Although the Wolves didn’t win the tournament, Avenall said her team is headed in the right direction.
‘It (the finals) could’ve gone either way,? she said. ‘Sure, winning it would’ve been nice, but Anchor Bay played well and so did we. The girls played well.?
Two standout performances from the weekend’s tournament were from Stephanie Parkin, who had 40 kills and 21 blocks and senior setter Colby Gardner, who had 104 assists.
Avenall said her team is the favorite going into the district tournament. The Wolves drew a bye in the first round and have played only one team from the bracket, Grand Blanc. The Wolves beat the Bobcats in three games earlier this year. The Wolves won their district last year and should the Wolves make it back-to-back titles, Avenall expects to see Howell in the regionals.
‘The team is playing with a lot of confidence right now,? Avenall said. ‘I don’t think not winning the tournament will hinder us heading into the districts. The girls are playing well and I think they’ll be ready.?