For the first time in five seasons, Oxford volleyball finally won its own invitational, defeating Henry Ford II in the championship finals of the Oxford Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Oxford split the first two sets, winning set one 25-23 before losing 25-21 in set two. However, the defense clamped down as the Wildcats pulled away for a 15-3 third set victory.
According to varsity head coach Kristi McDevitt, she had to split her varsity squad into two teams because one team dropped out last minute, giving her girls plenty of playing time heading into stretch run of the season.
‘We are coming down to crunch time (as) the MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletic Association) tournament is right around the corner. Any opportunity we can give the girls to compete on the court only benefits them,? McDevitt said.
Leading the way for the Wildcats was Katie Bearse with 73 kills and Lindsey Leppek with 45 kills. Maddie Line had 39 kills throughout the tournament, while Darien Bandel had 37 kills and Julia Walker had 35 for the Wildcats.
Amanda Bauman and Andrea Taylor combined for 300 kill assists, a record, and Bandel had 81 digs to lead the defense. Also providing excellent defense were Olivia Krause with 76 digs and Avi Paese with 69 digs.
The Wildcats also improved to 4-1 in the Oakland Activities Association Red division with victories over Rochester and Rochester Adams.
Oxford battled Farmington at home on Tuesday and travels down to Lake Orion on Thursday, Oct. 13.