An inexperienced team and a tough league might not be the ideal formula for success, but Lake Orion Volleyball Coach Bob Howey is hoping his team’s talent and chemistry can win out.
‘We’re young,? Howey said. ‘We have four seniors and just five returning players.?
That makes 10 first-year varsity players on the squad, which makes the jump from the OAA II to the top division this season.
‘We had to move up when we had the chance,? Howey noted. ‘Our learning curve is going to be quick.?
‘We really like the talent we see, but they have to learn to play at a higher speed,? he added. ‘Our team chemistry is as good as it’s been since I’ve been here. Hopefully that will help.?
Libero Alicia Roth returns as a team captain and will be relied on heavily as the team’s most experienced player.
Other seniors include Kayla Hill, Maddie Blackburn and outside hitter Natalie Pierson.
‘Kayla should do a good job for us as a setter,? Howey noted.
Blackburn, meanwhile, is one of three players on the roster listed at 5?11?.
‘She seems to be a little more aggressive this year,? the coach said.
Allegra Recknagel, a junior, is the team’s only other returner, and will see time as both a setter and a defensive specialist.
Five juniors, four sophomores and a freshman round out the roster. Among them, Howey said he’s been impressed so far by Brooke Rocholl, a sophomore, and Shannon Murdock, a freshman, both left-side hitters.
The team has already played in one tournament and went 1-2 at a home quad last week, topping Romeo in four games, before falling to Rochester in four and getting swept by Notre Dame Prep.
‘We want to continuously get better as the year goes on,? Howey said, adding that goals along the way include winning a tournament or two (they play in six more, plus the league tourney) and finishing in the top half of the league.
‘It’s going to be tough,? Howey said. ‘I think that’s what some of the younger girls are finding out already, how hard they have to play every point.?
The coach said it’s tough to pick out a favorite in the OAA I, but promised that every game will be a battle.
The team won the OAA II last season, but then fell to Oxford in the first round of districts.
‘Previously, the main thing was to win the league,? Howey said. ‘Now it’s to do as well as we can in the league and be prepared for districts.?
The team opens league play with a trip to Troy Athens on Thursday.