In a game where boundaries are key and teamwork is a must, it’s obvious the girls on the Oxford varsity volleyball team are ready to take on any opponent thrown at them this season.
On Saturday, the girls went 5-0-1 at their Imlay City tournament, defeating Utica Stevenson, Clintondale, Almont and split with Armada.
In the tournament semifinals, the Ladycats defeated Capac to meet up with host Imlay in the championship game, wining 25-22 twice.
Under the guidance of coach Kristi McDevitt, the Ladycats are ready to reach for the top spot in the Flint Metro League.
‘This group of girls are just great,? she said. ‘They’re probably the best team that I’ve had, as far as getting along, knowing what they’re supposed to do and being on task all the time.?
McDevitt said the twelve girls on the team have great playing abilities and that she’s excited to see them all come together.
Oxford tied for third place in the league with Brandon with a record of 7-7.
This year, with new talent and returning veteran players, Oxford is hoping to get some serious wins.
The varsity squad is returning four seniors from last year. Captains Liz Hazelwood (setter), who McDevitt considers the ‘quarterback? of the team, and Kaitlin DuCharme (left-side hitter), seniors Kaity Fischer (libero) and Amanda Jolly (libero).
Other players include Juniors Karlyn Stroope (middle blocker), Laura Brown (setter), Jacquilyn Sylva (left-side, libero), Morgan Stefanski (right-side hitter, setter), Alexandra Johnson (right-side hitter), Rachael Precour (middle blocker, right-side hitter), Kelsey Girardot (middle blocker) and sophomore Brittany Moncrieff (left-side hitter), who the coach said ‘has a great vertical hard hit.?
McDevitt said she’s looking to the two captains, Stroope, Brown, Moncrieff, Jolly and Fischer to be the leaders on the team.
‘These seven players should provide a strong base,? she said. ‘The incoming juniors are more than able to add more punch to our line up.?
The team’s goals for this season are to be competitive with the top three teams in the league ? Brandon, Lapeer West and East.
McDevitt is also excited for the Dec. 20 match against Clarkston and Rochester Adams ? two teams the Oxford girls rarely get to compete against.
Teamwork and spiking seem to be the team’s strong points, according to McDevitt.
The Ladycats will travel to Goodrich on Dec. 16 for an 8 a.m. match.