The Clarkston volleyball team let the district title get away from them last year – but they made sure history didn’t repeat itself this year.
The Wolves captured the district championship Saturday at Holly with a 15-2, 15-11 win against Grand Blanc in the district final. On their way to the district championship, the Wolves defeated Fenton 15-9, 15-8 in the opener. The Tigers had defeated the Wolves in last year’s district final.
In their other district match Saturday, Clarkston defeated Swartz Creek 15-6, 15-2 to set up the championship match against Grand Blanc. Clarkston’s season record is now 30-15-2.
The Wolves’ district championship is their 10th in school history and seventh in 11 years.
Heading into districts, Coach Gordie Richardson had a sense the team would seize the district championship if they made it to the title game. He also stated while redeeming themselves against Fenton wasn’t necessarily a motivating factor, a chance to make up for last year definitely was a factor.
“I don’t know if revenge was necessarily on the kids’ minds,” he said. “They knew they had a chance to win districts last year, and let it get away. They weren’t going to let it happen again. I was really pleased with how they played.”
The Wolves’ win was a team effort, with several players stepping up to lead the team to the crown. Megan Gaines led the team with 19 digs and was 72-for-75 setting with 38 aces and 19-for-21 serving. Stephanie Parkin was a defensive force for the Wolves with five blocked shots and 11 kills, while Ashley Hudson added 13 digs and 11 kills and was 24-for-27 serving.
Corey Sadowski added 13 digs for Clarkston, while Stephanie Reitano and Alex Heinrich added 11 apiece and Ashley Bramble 10. Jenna Kast contributed 10 kills.
“I think we had very good play out of everybody,” Richardson said. “I think that’s a tribute to the kids.”
The Wolves now head off to regionals at 3 p.m. Saturday against Mason at Lansing Eastern High School.
Although he is unfamiliar with Mason, Richardson does know they defeated some quality teams during the year, so they will be a tough test for the Wolves. However, he is confident about the matchup, given the Wolves’ play recently.
“Right now, we have a team that’s playing well and peaking,” he said. “If we play great defense, we have as good a shot as anyone.”