Volleyball team battles through injuries

Lady Dragons are doing the best they can without a full roster, according to Coach Robert Howey. Three of his players – a senior with a knee injury, a senior with a broken hand, and a sophomore with a broken foot – are out for the season.
The team is 23-18-7 as of Oct. 19. Tuesday night they faced Clarkston, and will see two tournaments and districts before the season is over.
When asked if the team is living up to his expectations, the coach replied, ‘I would like to see us win some of these tough matches but considering all of our injuries this season – yes.?
‘I guess we’re where I expected we’d be, maybe even a little ahead,? he added.
The team’s made it to finals in two recent tournaments, though on Oct. 13, Troy beat the Dragons 25-17, 25-19, 16-25, 30-32 and 15-13.
‘We are close to meeting goals and I think we would have met some if we had everyone healthy,? said Howey.
The coach says North Branch has been their toughest opponent so far.
Howey notes that Shannon Murdock is Lady Dragon’s best player, but every member of the team is talented and contributes.
This year’s team is fairly young, says the coach.
‘We should be even stronger next season as long as we stay healthy,? he added. ‘We are a very talented, deep, young team, and are looking forward to finishing the season strong.?