Spikers dominated last week as they defeated a league foe and tied for third place in Michigan Elite Tournament.
‘I was happy with the way we played,? said Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach Kelly Avenall. ‘Leading up to Saturday, I didn’t think we were playing up to our potential. I thought we were playing at the level of our opponents. Saturday we played exceptionally well.?
The girls also overcame a problem they had faced in a few sets earlier in the season when they were behind in points. During the tournament they picked up momentum to score and come out with a win.
The girls tied for third after losing to Marian in the semi-finals, 25-17, 25-10.
‘They were great competition,? said Avenall. ‘Marion is ranked number one in the state and clearly we can see why. There are just a lot of weapons we need to account for. It was a good day for us to see what we need to work on leading into the playoffs.?
Jenna Coates had 180 digs during the tournament. Allison Reis had 51 kills and Stephanie Marani had 19 kills and 14 blocks.
The finish brought the girls record, 29-8-2. The girls beat Troy-Athens in a league game on Tuesday and won, 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-20).
‘It was definitely a day we played down to our competition,? said Avenall. ‘It was a great win for us because it still leaves us with one loss in the league.?
Coates had 28 digs and three aces and Alexis Egler had nine kills.
The girls played Lake Orion on Tuesday for their final league game.
‘If we beat Lake Orion, we guarantee a second place finish in the league,? said Avenall.
The Lady Wolves still could take first place in the league – if Lahser beats Rochester.
The girls head to Rochester on Thursday to play five other teams – Brandon, Lutheran High North, Ferndale, Plymouth Christian Academy.
‘We are looking forward to playing Rochester again. The loss to them was bitter for the team,? said Avenall. ‘The girls knew they gave up the league being in their control at that point.?
The team also knows they could face Rochester again in the district playoffs in a few weeks.
‘The girls have described it as a revenge match,? said Avenall.
The team starts playing at 4:30 p.m.
Check the Wolfpack Update at www.ClarkstonNews.com to see how the girls did against Lake Orion.