The Oxford netters have hit a bit of a slump over the past couple of weeks losing four straight competitions.
On Jan. 29, the Lady Cats lost two (15-10, 15-9) and won one (13-15) against their toughest opponent of the season Lapeer East. The varsity volleyball team played their best game of the season.
“That was one of the most exciting, and longest, volleyball games I have ever been a part of both as a coach and a player,” said Head Coach Kristi McDevitt.
Oxford’s defense had difficulties digging up the hard hits from East’s two excellent outside hitters. However, the Cats still pulled in some great stats with Lindsey Tarrant taking nine kills and three blocks, Brandi Parker with 14 kills, 12 assists and three blocks; Jessica Anhel with six kills; and Shannon Gerbe with 12 assists.
On Feb. 2, Oxford won their first game against the Brandon Blackhawks 15-7, but lost the next two 15-13 and 15-12. The ladies fell flat all night, allowing hits through that were killed in the first match up.
Feb. 5 saw the Lady Cats losing outright to the Fenton Tigers 14-16 and 14-16., a team Oxford defeated in the first round. McDevitt said that Gerbe stood out defensively with 13 digs, 13 service points and one ace. Tarrant came in to support with 16 kills and Mykala Salquist had four blocks.
“We are not a 500 team,” said McDevitt. “We took a wrong turn somewhere in the midpoint of the season and haven’t gotten back on the right road.”
Oxford showed some signs of struggle against Holly, another team defeated earlier in the season. McDevitt said the Bronchos provided several opportunities for the Lady Cats to win, but the ladies didn’t capitalize on the opportunities.
Tarrant had 20 kills and 12 digs for the night, Parker had 14 kills and 20 assists, and Gerbe had 13 points with one ace and 27 digs. Mykala Salquist had her best game of the season with seven blocks and three kills.
The Oxford varsity team hits the road tonight (Thursday) against Linden with a 5-4 record in the FML and a 20-8-4 standing overall.