Royal Oak Tribune

Shrine

-

right side Maria Cloutier, and middle hitter Dania Laird.

Minjares has been a key piece to the team during their climb up the ladder. Her defensive play in the back row has kept the Knights in a lot of key points and allowed the offense more opportunit­ies to succeed. In the regional final, Minjares tallied 24 digs.

“She’s been a huge asset for us for four years at Shrine. I have coached for 10 years now and I have seen few players that play with the heart and determinat­ion that she does,” DeMartino said of Minjares. “She has a really high volleyball IQ and she is a great leader on the floor for us.”

Along with the senior production, Shrine also has some standout sophomores contributi­ng. Margaret Jones has been one of the team leaders in kills this season and racked up 20 in the regional final. Katherine Mulcahy and Norah Tisko were impactful at the net in the win over Lutheran Northwest.

DeMartino credited the bonding of the team throughout the stressful 2020 season as a big contributo­r to the success and the depth the teams has had this fall.

“I think COVID has brought everyone closer together on the team and I think it has made the girls work hard as a team as well,” she said. “With the uncertaint­y of never

knowing when things could end, it has made the girls appreciate each practice and each match even more. They enjoy being together and working toward their goals together. It’s been really enjoyable as a coach to see the bond that they have.”

The Knights are trying to keep a positive approach to their quarterfin­al match with Saginaw Valley Lutheran, a 2019 D3 semifinali­st.

The MHSAA currently has the game scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15. However, that is dependent on the current three-week epidemic order not getting extended.

“We are staying optimistic that the MHSAA is going to find a way to finish our season. It seems like (the MHSAA) is optimistic about getting the season finished,” DeMartino said. “Every team that is left deserves that chance. It’s been a hard- enough season for the girls as it is.”

The challenge ahead for the Knights, and all other volleyball teams still in the postseason, is staying physically and mentally ready without many training options available to them during the stoppage.

“It’s a tough spot to be in, having to try to stay ready from home when everything is changing with COVID and the challenges of what you can do and where you can do it,” DeMartino said. “It will be a challenge to remain discipline­d and focused, but we are going to try to do that as a team through our communicat­ion.”

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States