Getting back on track is something of a New Year’s resolution for the 2006-?07 Clarkston volleyball team. The Wolves are hoping for an early return on their investment because the season actually starts weeks before the holiday break.
Clarkston, winner of two consecutive district championships in coach Kelly Avenall’s first seasons at the helm, are trying to rebound from a 13-25-1 campaign in 2005-?06.
‘That’s definitely one of our goals this year, to get that going again,? Avenall said.
Leading the way for the Wolves are their five returning starters, including junior Julie Gillespie.
‘Last year, she was just learning the position and there were a lot of techniques she had to learn,? Avenall said.
‘This year she is comfortable with it. Last year as a sophomore she felt she shouldn’t be out there because she was a sophomore, so she was a little more tentative and this year as a junior and returning starter, I think she’s starting to take on a leading role. A lot of people around the league have mentioned her, they know about her.?
Leadership is also expected from the team’s four seniors returning: Amanda Byrd, Brittany Davis, Lindsay Sawyer and Marilynn Porritt .
‘They all played important roles last year and they were real excited to be out here this year and ready for the season,? Avenall said.
The is trying to get its younger members up to speed before the start of the season, including its three sophomores.
‘They’re solid players, but there is such a huge difference from where they came from to now, they’re still getting used to ball movement and getting to the ball, and that’s a challenge for them,? Avenall said.
The Wolves? hustle should make them competitors this year.
‘This team, they’re real scrappers. They go for every ball. There’s nothing they’re going to let drop. They cover a lot of the court and they’re real good communicators. They’re playing really well together right now,? Avenall said.
Clarkston will face a different league format this season. The Wolves will have league matches and a league tournament weighted differently, both accounting for 50 percent of their OAA record.