The Varsity Girls Volleyball team couldn’t have picked a better time to have everything come together for the team. They even have some hardware to back it up.
On Saturday, Oct. 30, the Wildcats traveled up to Fenton to participate in the Fenton Invitational. They outlasted 12 other teams to claim the title in the all day event.
They posted a 5-0-2 on the day, defeating Flint Carman Ainsworth, Linden, Saginaw Heritage while splitting with Avondale and Midland in pool play.
They defeated the top seed Regina in the semi-finals before facing Midland in the finals. The Cats came out slow, losing the first set 25-16, but they rebounded nicely, taking the second set 25-16.
In the final set, the Wildcats took control and never looked back, winning 15-7 en route to the title.
‘We are really coming together in all the right ways,? said Volleyball Head Coach Kristi McDevitt. ‘We are passing well, running the offense flawlessly at times, and our defense is as strong as it has ever been.?
Marissa Manzella totaled 35 kills, 39 digs, six aces and two blocks on the day, while Keeona Ives contributed 26 kills, 28 digs and three aces. Valerie Anderson added 23 kills and seven blocks, which was a season best.
Danielle Bauman and Sara Nieboer 33 and 29 kills respectively, and Paige Felisky had 45 kill assists, 17 kills and three blocks. Chelsea Kessler had 35 digs in the back row and Victoria LaFramboise had 30 digs.
The tournament wins improved the Wildcats record to 25-17-16 for the year.
‘We are coming down to the wire where every point counts and every game decides if your season is going to continue,? said McDevitt. ‘This tournament was a great confidence booster for the players and the team going into districts.?
When district play began Nov. 2 against Stoney Creek, the Wildcats were businesslike, defeating the Cougars in three sets.
They won 25-17, 25-13 and 25-23 to advance to the next round where they will play Rochester Adams at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Manzella led the way for the Wildcats 15 kills and 18 digs. Ives added seven kills and 15 digs and LaFramboise had 16 digs in the victory. The winner will play the winner of the Clarkston/Lake Orion semi-final match for the district title on Nov. 5.