Volleyball, the sport at the center of the off-season shuffle in the state of Michigan, is just starting to settle in to its spot in the fall.
And at Lake Orion, the varsity squad is expecting some big things.
‘It’s been hectic this year, but I like it,? Coach Bob Howey said of the season change. ‘I’m finding some things I can do differently next year.?
Lake Orion’s season got underway last week at the Imlay City Invitational, where Howey said the squad played very well.
The Dragons fell to Port Huron Northern in the full three sets (15-13 in the last) in the semifinals.
‘We have eight coming back and added five new players,? Howey said.
‘Our core should be our older girls,? he added. ‘I expect all six of our seniors to have big years and Alicia Roth, our libero, comes back as a junior.?
Shawmee Davey, Ashley Bringard, Lindsey Van Norman, Katlyn Van Houzen, Jessica Bland and Jacky Hardenburg are the team’s seniors.
Losing just three seniors off of last year’s team, Howey said balance is definitely a strength with his veteran squad.
‘We have an abundance of hitters and we should be good on defense too,? Howey said. ‘Our depth should be our strength.?
The Dragons fell in the finals of the league tournament to Andover, which lost a lot of talent from their squad.
Howey expects, Kettering, West Bloomfield, Stoney Creek and Rochester to all be competitive, but said it’s hard to tell what each team will bring to the table in the OAA II, particularly because of the season switch.
Rochester topped the Dragons in district action last year. However, Adams replaces Rochester in LO’s district draw this season, with Stoney Creek and Clarkston still in the mix.
‘I get the feeling that we’re a pretty tight-knit team,? Howey said, noting the team goals are to win both the league and the district. ‘Hopefully that will help us this year.?