Clarkston has been on ‘a mission’ all season
It was Nov. 4 of 2019 that a group of Clarkston volleyball players walked off the floor at Lake Orion High School feeling dejected.
The Wolves had won 42 matches that fall and had a perfect run through the OAA Red. Yet, they lost their district opener to Lake Orion, a team that would go on to reach the Division 1 state semifinals in Battle Creek.
That’s where Clarkston wanted to be, and expected to be.
Starting Nov. 5, the returning Wolves, led by a group of five seniors, put their attention and focus into making sure the 2020 season would have a different outcome.
Certainly the year hasn’t been made easy. Through the challenges of COVID-19, changing regulations and altered schedules, the Wolves have maintained their focus and drive toward their goal.
Clarkston finds itself one step from reaching that goal, as they claimed their first regional championship since 2011 back on Nov. 12.
“We have five seniors and they have all been great leaders through this tough season. We had some down moments this year, and even a lull where we weren’t playing very well. It was the seniors that spoke up and got everyone back on track,” Clarkston coach Kelly Pinner said. “They knew that this season wasn’t promised at all, and they didn’t want to see this opportunity to actually get to play squandered. They have had a strong voice all season long and really been what has pushed us to our success.”
Now Clarkston’s greatest opponent is time.
The 2020 volleyball postseason is on hold until at least Dec. 8 during a three-week epidemic order that was issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The MHSAA currently has Clarkston’s quarterfinal matchup with Grand Blanc scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15. However, that is dependent on the current threeweek epidemic order to not get extended. Should the quarterfinals take place as scheduled, the state semifinals and finals will be held from Dec. 17-19 in Battle Creek.
“I want my girls to remain active and do at-home workouts so that when we return to practice, hopefully, we just need a few days to get back to playing at a high level,” Pinner said. “I want to be sure that they are physically ready to compete at that level, but I don’t think it should take that long for them to get there as long as they remain dedicated during this time.”
Pinner has said her team has really been able to take all of the challenges of 2020 in stride. The five seniors of Claire Nowicki, Sydney Hasenfratz, Shay Bordine, Molly Hoffman and Madison McGraw have led by example on and off the court.
“I honestly think kids are better at this than adults,” Pinner said of dealing with the adversity of 2020. “Having worked with them since last spring, I know there were a lot of moments of frustration for me. I was always impressed with how resilient these girls were and how adaptable they were to change. They really kept a positive mindset and helped me stay positive as well.”
Clarkston’s success on the court is due to a well-balanced squad. Nowicki is leading the team in kills with 385, but her well-rounded passing and serving skills also make her a complete player.
Sophomore Paige Giehtbrock is a great compliment on the outside, while Hasenfratz and junior Elizabeth Adams are strong finishers in the middle.
“One of our strengths all year is that we have a lot of offensive weapons. We aren’t one-dimensional at all. So, if someone is not swinging well or if somebody has made a couple of errors, then we have someone else we can go to,” Pinner said of her hitters. “I think that opens up things for us and helps us pull through in (competitive sets).”
Bordine and freshman Emery Kuebler handle the setting duties, while junior Summer Jidas is an athletic libero that leads the defensive effort. She is also the team’s top server.
Pinner remains confident that her team will be able to stay focused during this pause in action, as they have shown the mental strength all season.
“I think the teams that have gotten this far probably have reached this point because they have disciplined athletes,” Pinner said. “I think our girls certainly fit that category. They are very disciplined physically, but mentally as well. I think they will stick to the regimen that the coaching staff gives them.”
Pinner’s hopes remain that her team at least gets a chance to get back to Battle Creek. Being so close to the goal and not even getting the chance to play for it would be difficult for her to see.
“I know getting to Battle Creek has been their goal,” Pinner said. “I really hope they get that opportunity because it is something those seniors have been working toward for so long. I don’t really care how it has to happen, in order for it to be done safely, I just hope the girls get their chance to be on a court to end the season.”