After a one-sided, three-game loss at Oxford in mid-October, the Lake Orion volleyball squad knew they would have to play better to give the Wildcats a game in last week’s district opener.
Coach Bob Howey said they certainly played better, but not good enough, as Oxford took home a 25-21, 25-22, 25-11 victory.
The Dragons got off to a rough start, dropping the match’s first five points.
‘Unfortunately, we didn’t start well that first game,? Howey said. ‘We did a great job of hanging in and coming back in that game. I think in the long run, though, it knocked our confidence down a bit.?
In the second game, Lake Orion won two long rallies in a row to break a 10-all tie. That lead expanded to 14-10, prompting a timeout from Oxford Coach Kristi McDevitt.
Out of that timeout, the Wildcats won eight of the next nine points to take full control of the match.
‘I think that changed the match,? Howey said. ‘Our passing kind off dropped of and we never got our ball-control back.?
Howey said his team made a few too many unforced errors, but gave credit to Oxford’s defense.
‘I knew they wanted revenge,? McDevitt said. ‘I don’t think our girls were expecting an easy win. We wanted to just come out and hit the ball.?
Oxford eventually lost to Clarkston in Friday’s championship match.
Against Oxford, the Dragons were led by Ashley Bringard’s six kills, Alicia Roth’s seven digs, Katlyn Van Houzen’s 10-for-10 serving with an ace and Shawmee Davey’s 12 assists.
Lake Orion finished as OAA II champs.
‘We’ll always have that,? Howey said. ‘Hopefully I can go to the league meeting and we can move up to division one because of it.?