By DAVID COOK
The Laingsburg volleyball team began the season by playing some of the toughest competition it could find, and the results have it ranked among the top teams in the state in Division 3.
Laingsburg began the season by competing in tough tournaments at Alma, New Lothrop, and Birch Run.
“We have been pretty excited to land in the gold division playoff for each tournament,” coach Tennille Whitmore said. “Ending Birch Run in the semifinals was a big accomplishment for us. I’m not sure I would say that we have had a key win, but I would say that a ‘win’ for us is that we have competed point for point with some tough competition this year like St. Louis, Detroit Country Day, Lapeer, and Corunna. Some ending in wins and some ending in near wins, but we have walked away from each match as a better team. The key for us is making sure we step on the court and all-out compete each time out. That, I think, is a ‘win’ and what will help us reach our potential. For the vast majority of our matches this season, I can say we are meeting that goal.”
Playing as a team has been a big part of Laingburg’s success this season. “This group has worked hard to create a positive team culture,” Whitmore said. “The group confidence that they take the court with is a huge advantage. They stay collected under pressure and support each other through rough patches. It is that presence on the court that has helped pull out some really tight matches this season against tough competition.”
Among the players leading the way for the Wolfpack this season are senior Alex Snider and junior Lindsey Smith. “Lindsey and Alex are really cut from the same cloth and serve as a solid foundation for our team,” Whitmore said. “They are servant leaders with a quiet competitive intensity. Last year, we shifted roles on them, and both girls, traditionally setters, learned how to hit. In just over the span of a year, both have developed and refined their hitting skills and are two of our most consistent options. Both set out of the back row and hit out of the front row. Each consistently leads us in more than one stat category.”
Junior Caitlyn Kane has also stepped up this year. “Caitlyn is really coming into her own this year,” Whitmore said. “She had shining moments last season as a sophomore, but this year she is really lighting it up. She has made huge improvements in her confidence and significant dedication to improving in the off-season has really made all the difference for Cait. At over six feet tall with a solid vertical and quick arm swing, she is crushing balls for us on both the right and left side. She is also putting the arm swing to great use with consistent and powerful serves.”