Sophomore Brianna Frakes jumped up and blocked Holly’s hit and sent it back over the net unreturnable.
With one more point scored when the Lady Bronchos hit the ball four times, Clarkston won the first round of the MHSAA District playoffs on Monday, 3-0.
“I was happy with how we kept our level of intensity,” said Clarkston Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach Kelly Avenall, referring to the 25-10, 25-8, 25-5 quick sets. “Sometimes in matches like that you are worried they are not going to stay focused or stay intense.”
The intensity, she added, will continue to be heightened as each day the competition is going keep getting tougher.
The game plan was to serve aggressively – which they did scoring ten points off aces for the game with five from Frakes and four each from seniors Angela Niezgoda and Maddie Lightfoot.
“Our two biggest qualities all year have been our defense,” Avenall added. “We are a great serving team. We are a great defensive team. We never give up on a ball.”
Rachel Dickerson had nine kills for the game.
“She played well for us,” Avenall said.
The team used Tuesday to work on blocking and timing their setters as they prepared for their next match against Grand Blanc.
“We just have to work on a few things that have been nagging us all season,” she added. “Our blocking needs to get better if we are going to go far.”
Clarkston, ranked #4 in the state, is also preparing for a tough team after Grand Blanc had beaten Lake Orion, ranked #5, at a tournament during the weekend.
“Grand Blanc is going to be decent,” said Avenall. “They are definitely going to be a good team. They have a great discipline and play great defense. They will play smart.”
The Lady Wolves won the Andover Tournament on Saturday after beating Grosse Point North, 25-14 and 25-11, going 6-0 for the day.
Senior Stephanie Marani had 42 kills and 15 blocks for the day. Junior Kayle Konjarevich had 41 kills and 15 aces. Lightfoot had 42 digs.
Clarkston and Grand Blanc play at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The winner continues on to the MHSAA District final Thursday, 7 p.m. at Clarkston High School.