D’j? vu is not always a good thing. Clarkston volleyball got a second dose of an early exit from the district playoffs Friday, losing to eventual district champion Rochester 3-2 in five games. This is the second consecutive season the Wolves have taken an early bow, after falling to Rochester Hills Stoney Creek last season 3-2, also in the opening round.
After a 25-21 game one loss, Clarkston came back for a 25-15 win in game two. The Falcons took another 25-21 win in the third and again the Wolves countered with a 25-18 win. Rochester won the fifth and final set, 15-12.
‘It was back and forth all night and could have gone either way,? Clarkston coach Kelly Avenall said.
The Wolves beat themselves with unforced errors and lackluster play from multiple players.
‘In volleyball, you can’t win with three or four kids being off,? she said.
Avenall hoped the team would shake itself from their funk. ‘They would get frustrated and keep doing the same things,? she said. ‘I thought they would play through it, but they didn’t.?
Amanda Byrd logged 37 digs, and sophomore Lauren Gardner made 13 kills and went perfect serving and in serve reception.
Clarkston finished the 2006-?07 campaign with a 20-15-4 record, seven more wins and ten fewer losses than a season ago.
‘It’s a tough way to end the season, but I don’t think we have anything to be ashamed of,? Avenall said.
‘Overall, they had a successful season.?
Days before starting the playoffs, Clarkston had one more regular-season match
The Wolves beat Brandon in a close five-game series, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 24-26, 15-9 last Monday
Lindsay Sawyer had eight kills and six blocks and Amanda Byrd had 21 digs.