PREP VOLLEYBALL NOTEBOOK

Norman North on a roll

Heading into this weekend’s big tournament at Jenks, Norman North volleyball coach Stephanie Kane likes where her team stands.

“We’ve been playing pretty solid,” Kane said. “Our bench is really deep, so now that we’re gearing down towards the ends of the season we’re trying to get everybody on board. I think overall our team’s really solid. I’m excited about this weekend.”

Norman North, ranked No. 2 in Class 6A, has won 14 straight matches, including two big wins over No. 9 Edmond Memorial and No. 5 Edmond North in the past week.

Norman North has shown resiliency in key moments, even erasing a 9-2 deficit in one set against Edmond North.

Kane said she’s been getting improved play from middle blockers Lauren Kersey and Angel Robinson.

“We’ve been trying to implement them in the game more offensively, especially in transition,” Kane said. “They’re doing their jobs.”

Edmond Memorial knocks off Edlam rival

Defending Class 6A state champion Edmond Memorial rebounded from the Norman North loss to knock off rival Edmond North late last week with an impressive comeback.

The Bulldogs rallied from a two-set deficit to win in five sets. And they did it without coach Natalie Murray, who is away from the team due to a death in her family.

“I just told them, let’s go out there and play hard, and, you know, why not try and beat Santa Fe?” Memorial assistant Jaclyn Burroughs told the Edmond Sun.

Chisholm Trail tournament this weekend

The Chisholm Trail Conference tournament begins Friday at Heritage Hall and features some of the top small-school programs in the area.

Powerhouses Christian Heritage and Mount St. Mary are the top seeds. Community Christian and Bethany are also highly ranked. Other teams include Oklahoma Bible, Oklahoma Christian School and Heritage Hall.