By Riley Holder
Review Special Writer?
The Lake Orion girls? varsity volleyball team’s season came to an abrupt end last week as they went on the road to Clarkston for the first round of the district playoffs.
The Dragons were defeated by the Wolves 3-1 despite playing some of their best volleyball of the season, according to Head Coach Ross Talbott.
‘Our last game against Clarkston was definitely our best match. We played really, really well. I was proud of the girls. Clarkston just played really, really well too. A couple points here and there and we win the match.?
Despite the early playoff loss to their rival, Coach Talbott notes that season wasn’t without its accomplishment.
‘We’re the first Dragon team ever to be ranked second in the state, and be ranked 41st’in the country. This year we just peaked at the wrong time. We peaked during the middle of our season when we won the Marion tournament and the Grand Blanc tournament. At the Beast of the East Tournament, we beat undefeated Dakota. They were 30-0. We beat them 25-14, 26-28, and 15-2, so we gave them their first loss.?
The MVP of the season was junior Rachel Giwa. She had an incredible 80 percent of the entire squad’s assists for the season as the team’s setter. She also led the team in serving aces with 53. Other statistical leaders on the team included senior Allison Shinouskis, who had 411 digs to lead the team, and junior Hannah Murdock, who had 434 kills.
The team finished the season with an overall record of 38-13-2, including a 6-2 record in the OAA. The 6-2 record was good for second place in the red division. Clarkston took first in the division for their seventh year in a row.
‘Next season we want to win the OAA Red Division, win districts, and of course, beat Clarkston,? Coach Talbott said.
While the conclusion of the season wasn’t exactly what the Dragons had hoped for, the season was full of positives. From multiple tournament victories, to high team rankings, the Dragons had much to be proud of this season.