After turning around their 13-25-1 record from 2006, Clarkston’s volleyball team has a chance to make a mark this season. The Wolves embark on the state playoffs, playing Rochester in the district quarterfinals Friday at Romeo High School.
The Wolves, 18-13-2, finished tied for fifth place at the Oakland Activities Association division I tournament on Feb. 10. Coach Kelly Avenall respects the Falcons as a tough match-up despite the fact they come from the OAA’s second league.
‘They’re a strong OAA II team,? Avenall said.
Clarkston lost to Rochester last season, she added.
The Wolves fell in the district quarter-finals last season to Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, who the Wolves may see again this weekend in the district finals if both teams advance that far.
The winner between the Falcons and Wolves move on to face Utica Eisenhower in the semifinals. The Eagles have drawn a bye in the first round along with the host Bulldogs from the opposite side of the bracket.
Avenall had a hard time looking past Clarkston’s final three dual meets and its participation in an invitational tournament at Bloomfield Hills Andover.
‘We take one match at a time,? Avenall said.
With back-to-back non-conference wins against Holly and Lake Orion, the Wolves traveled to Brandon to take on the Blackhawks Monday. Look to www.clarkstonnews.com for the results.
Avenall said they will have to control the ball better and get middle-hitter Juliann Gillespie involved to ensure the Wolves? success.
‘If we can get the ball to Julie, we can pretty much get a kill every time,? she said.
Lindsay Sawyer, another middle hitter for the Wolves is another key to success.
‘Those two have to play well for us to do well,? Avenall said.
At the Andover Invitational Feb. 24, the girls went 1-1-2 beating Grand Blanc and tying both Bloomfield Hills Andover and Adrian Lenawee Christian in pool play.
The Wolves finish the season 19-14-4.
Visiting rival Lake Orion Feb. 22, Clarkston won its second straight game 3-0, dusting off the Dragons 25-19, 25-22, 25-23.
Prior to the game, Avenall would not allow her players to underestimate the Dragons of OAA II.
‘Any division two team can beat a division one team any day. I told the girls to watch out for an upset,? Avenall said.
‘Lake Orion always plays up on Clarkston. They have ever since I was a kid.?
Julie Gillespie had seven kills and three blocks. Emily Parkin had 21 assists and Amanda Byrd picked up 20 digs.
‘I was very happy with the way they played. We went out and played hard,? Avenall said.
‘Our ball control was so much better. (We had) better passing and communication.?
The two teams might meet again this weekend if they can both make their way to the district finals.
‘It’s a likelihood, but there are so many other factors,? Avenall said.
‘If we play them again, it will be a different match because they got a good look at us’and we got a good look at them,? she said.
At home against Holly Feb. 19, Clarkston won 3-0, 25-21, 25-18, 25-21. Gillespie recorded eight kills, Sawyer had six kills and three blocks and libero Amanda Byrd made 15 digs.