After defeating the Fenton Tigers in the final round of the Flint Metro League Tournament last Thursday, the Oxford Varsity volleyball team’s dream of a league championship was finally realized.
The Wildcats defeated the Tigers 25-23, 25-22, 25-21, 20-25 on their home turf.
‘The girls were really fired up by the crowd and how huge it was that so many fans turned out for the championship match,? said Coach Kristi McDevitt.
Oxford captains, senior Karlyn Stroope and junior Brittany Moncrieff, put on a hitting and offense display for the night. Stroope finished the night with 20 kills and four blocks. ‘She was going against (Fenton’s) 6?2? blocker and it didn’t faze her,? McDevitt said. ‘She was pounding the ball.?
Moncrieff tallied 10 kills, two blocks, 25 digs and was 12 for 13 in passing.
‘Britt came into this game wanting a league championship, something she has wanted since she was a freshman on the varsity team,? McDevitt said. ‘She wasn’t going to let it get away this year, and she played hard for it.?
Senior captain and libero Jacqui Sylva showed tough defense (20 digs) and reliable passing (24 for 29), along with sophomore Taylor Carpenter who had 11 digs.
Oxford’s blocking at the net gave the Tigers fits getting the ball past the ‘brick wall? of senior Rachael Precour (four blocks) and senior Kelsey Giradot (three blocks). The Wildcat’s offense was paced by seniors Laura Brown (24 assists) and Morgan Stefanski (17 assists).
The Wildcats completed their regular season action with an untouchable 11-0 in the FML, garnering them their first league championship since 2003.
Their focus now is on their number 2 goal of the season ? a district title.
Oxford heads to Lake Orion Thursday night at 7 p.m. for district play against the Dragons. If they win, they’ll advance to the district semi-finals against Waterford Kettering Friday night at 5 p.m.