With their season just beginning, the Oxford varsity girls volleyball team already have their eyes focused on a league title.
Last year, the girls were defeated by Fenton in the Flint Metro League championship, taking second place.
‘Even with all of our veteran players and talented newcomers, we still have a lot of work to do,? said Coach Kristi McDevitt. ‘If they want the league title, they are going to have to work hard and stay focused.?
Highlighting the Wildcat’s roster of 12 are eight returning key players, lead by senior captains Karlyn Stroope Laura Brown and Jacqui Sylva.
McDevitt said Stroope, a two-year varsity starter, will be moving from her usual position as middle blocker to the left side hitter because of her strong hitting arm.
‘When she connects with the ball, it is really something amazing,? the coach said.
Brown, also a two-year varsity starter, will be starting setter this year.
‘Her hitters really appreciate her ability to place the ball right where they expect it and need it,? McDevitt said.
Sylva, like Stroope, will be moving to a different position this season as well, from left side hitter to libero.
McDevitt called her ‘very athletic and an excellent passer and defender.?
Senior Morgan Stefanski will be sharing the setting responsibilities with Brown as well as playing right side hitter.
Senior Alex Johnson will play opposite Stefanski in the front right position as well.
‘Both are veteran players in this position and are very pivotal in our defense and our blocking,? McDevitt said.
In the middle of the net will be returning middle blockers, seniors Rachael Precour and Kelsey Girardot. Both have improved tremendously since last year in both hitting and blocking.
‘Our middle blockers are our first line of defense against our opponents,? said the coach.
Lastly, returning junior, Brittany Moncrieff, will make her home on the left side of the net. McDevitt calls her a ‘natural athlete that brings a lot to the team.?
‘She can serve, pass, dig, block and hit the ball,? she said. ‘Her vertical is amazing and she can put the ball down when her timing is on.?
New to the Spiker’s varsity roster this year are senior Melissa LaBarge, sophomore Taylor Carpenter and Danielle Bauman and freshman Allyson Winget.
LaBarge will serve as a setter, hitter and defensive specialist, while Carpenter will be used primarily as a defensive specialist too.
Bauman will be a backup setter and hitter and is ‘very capable of running the offense.? Winget will use her middle-blocker position as good varsity experience.
On Tuesday, the girls beat both Rochester Adams and Clarkston in a quad meet.
The Spikers will travel to Grand Blanc for their next game on Saturday, Sept. 8.