Spikers looked across the net on Saturday and saw the one team they had lost to at the beginning of the season.
They huddled in a circle and prepared like they did before any game – to win.
The end result was defeating North Branch 25-22 and 27-26 to win the Flushing Invitational.
“It was a great victory for us,” said Coach Kelly Avenall.
On their way to the championship round they beat seven teams including Mercy High School, in two of three sets – 25-21, 26-27 and 17-16.
“It’s the biggest wins we have had in terms of our program and our season,” said Avenall. “Hopefully we have turned some heads in terms of beating some quality first-ranked teams.”
Turning heads were leaders Alexis Egler, Allison Reis and Maddie Lightfoot, who dominated in her Libero role.
She had 75 digs for the entire day.
“I was really nervous for someone to step in and fill the spot,” said Avenall. “Maddie proved she is worthy of the position. She hustled all day and got some balls you would think at first, ‘oh, that is a point for the team.’ She somehow dug it up or chased it down.”
Egler had 16 aces, 37 kills and 84 assists and Reis added 40 kills and 72 digs for the matches.
It is the second tournament for the season the girls have won and they are taking the momentum into the rest of the season.
“It’s going to help with my team’s confidence,” said Avenall. “They are a team that has potential to do good things. You can tell them that and tell them that but until they prove it to themselves that’s when they gain the confidence. When they beat those two teams on Saturday they proved to themselves they should be one of the top teams.”
The Lady Wolves also defeated Seaholm in their first OAA Red match-up, 25-15, 25-13, 29-27.
“League matches are always big wins for us because I really feel it’s important we prepare every day for league matches,” said Avenall.
“Seaholm is a first ranked team and they have a player being recruited by some really big schools. We focused on her and tried to shut her down. The girls really went along with their game plan.”
Lightfoot had 25 digs in the game.
The girls played Farmington, Tuesday, and host North Farmington on Thursday, continuing their league play.
“Every league match is important,” said Avenall. “I think this weekend gave us a lot of confidence. The girls are still riding high which will be our advantage.”
JV begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and the varsity team follows at 7 p.m.