By Teddy Rydquist

Leader Sports Writer

Competing in a quad at West Bloomfield High School on Oct. 29, the Oxford Wildcats volleyball team built some momentum for the postseason by sweeping their three opponents.

Wrapping up their regular season at 26-17-2, Oxford begins Michigan High School Athletic Association district play tonight (Nov. 6) vs. Waterford Kettering at Lake Orion High School at 5:30 p.m.

At the Oct. 29 quad, the Wildcats faced a fellow Oakland Activities Association Red member, the Birmingham Groves Falcons. In their first match of the day, the Wildcats prevailed in two sets, 25-13, 25-18.

As she has throughout the season, junior outside hitter Emma LaBarge led Oxford with seven kills in the victory.

While Groves was winless in OAA play at 0-7, the Wildcats’ second opponent, South Lyon, presented a more difficult challenge. Finishing 6-2 in league action, the Lions were the third-best team in the Lakes Valley Conference.

Riding senior Sydney Richter’s four aces and LaBarge’s ten kills, Oxford again took care of business in two sets, 25-20, 25-13.

In the team’s final match of the day, the Wildcats were able to avenge an earlier defeat at the hands of the West Bloomfield Lakers. Tying for fourth-place in the OAA Red at 3-4 – one-game better than Oxford – the Lakers topped the Wildcats in four sets on Oct.15.

Putting the final touches on a 6-0 day, Oxford dispatched West Bloomfield in two frames, 25-20, 25-21. Allowing LaBarge and junior Molly Miller to do what they do best, fellow junior Gabby Comito helped set the tone with a team-high 14 assists.

In an impressive display of defense, Richter and senior Madelyn Weiss combined for nine digs against the Lakers. Dating back to the Maple Forest Invite at Birmingham Seaholm High School on Oct. 26, the Wildcats have won six of their last eight matches.

Officially titled “District 5,” Clarkston and Holly round out the Wildcats’ first round of playoff competition.