Losses plague spikers despite hard-fought efforts

The Wildcats Varsity Volleyball team battled tooth and nail against Lapeer East their Oct. 6 match, but ultimately lost a heartbreaking three games to one.
The Wildcat’s lost the first game 25-23, but battled back to tie the match at one game a piece with a 25-22 win in game two. However, they couldn’t hold off East in the final two games and lost 25-22 and 25-21.
‘I am sad that we lost,? said Head Coach Kristi McDevitt. ‘But I wasn’t upset at all after the game. I was content. The girls played so hard and gave the Eagles a great run.?
Senior Marissa Manzella had 11 kills, Sophomore Kate Bailey had nine kills and three blocks and Senior Keeona Ives had eight kills and eight digs. Senior Danielle Bauman led the team with 13 assists and setter Paige Felisky had 11.
On Saturday, Oct 10, the Wildcats hosted their annual eight team invite at the high school. Atherton, Capac, Fenton, Lapeer West, Lake Orion, Notre Dame Prep and Grosse Pointe South participated in the invite.
The Wildcats went 3-1-3 in the round robin portion of play, defeating Capac, Atherton and Lapeer West. They lost in a close match to Notre Dame Prep, and split with Fenton, Lake Orion and Grosse Pointe South.
The Wildcats entered the semi-finals of the tournament as the number two seed after pool play, and they drew Lake Orion in the semi-final round, where they lost in three close games. Notre Dame Prep took home the trophy.
‘It was a very productive day and I am very proud of the way we played,? said McDevitt. ‘There were times during the day where we did fade competitively and not grasp a win that was right in front of us. For the most part the girls battled all day long.?
Manzella led the way throughout the day for the Wildcats. She finished with 60 kills, 34 digs and 10 blocks. Senior Valerie Anderson had 21 kills and nine blocks, while Bailey contributed 16 kills and 10 blocks.
Setters Emily Brooks and Felisky had 37 and 34 assists respectively, and Senior Victoria LaFramboise had 64 digs.
The loss against East drops the Wildcats to 4-2 in the Flint Metro League, while they are 14-10-11 overall.
They play at Swartz Creek on Tuesday, Oct 13 and come home to play their final home game against Holly on Oct 15.