Set for league play

Spikers have a few goals for the new season ? a few of them include repeating their league win and move onto the district championship like they did last year.
A step towards the goal begins this Thursday as the girls play Birmingham Seaholm in a league game.
“From what I know from last year and know from what teams are returning, Seaholm and Farmington will be two tough teams in our league,” said Varsity Head Coach Kelly Avenall.
“Last year we finished first, and then it was Farmington and Seaholm.
I know everyone says this, but every team in the OAA Division 1 you can’t take lightly. Every game is important. Every game is going to be someone tough to beat. Every time we play a league match we have to prepare for that.”
Clarkston played in the Oxford Quad last week. They faced Oxford first and won their game winning three sets (25-15, 25-16, 25-20).
They played Flushing next and won one set out of four (19-25, 19-25, 27-25, 21-25).
“I thought the Quad went really well,” said senior captain Lauren Gardner. “I am proud we beat Oxford. The game against Flushing I thought we could’ve done better, but all of the games were close.”
“We had a tough time getting up on those taller girls,” said Avenall.
“Kelley Croll, our three year returner, went down during a set. I had to mess with the line-up a little bit. I am proud of how we played.
There were chances were we could’ve gotten them.”
Gardner had 15 kills and Allison Reis had 11 kills, Jenna Coates 39 digs.
“I am happy were we are at right now. I think playing Flushing was great competition for them,” said Avenall.
“It was a team we really had to play up for. I think that was good competition going into our league play. Flushing was a real strong team and I think that will carry into this week. The tempo in practice has really picked up because of it.”
The girls have a 4-2 overall record going into their league game on Thursday.
They host Birmingham Seaholm at 7 p.m.
“Anytime you play with your team it helps you out,” said Gardner. “We are ready to take on Seaholm. Go Clarkston!”
Another goal they hope to accomplish is to be in the finals of each tournament they compete in. They will have a chance in the Grand Blanc Classic on Saturday before playing at Farmington next Tuesday.
“Farmington was in the West Bloomfield Invitational and played in the finals. They will a tough team to get by,” said Avenall.