By DAVID COOK
Heading into the season, the outlook for the DeWitt volleyball team was one of cautious optimism. While the Panthers are annually one of the most competitive volleyball teams in mid Michigan, this year’s team was low on experience.
As the season gets set to kick off the state tournament, DeWitt’s young squad has become one of the premier teams in the area and is ranked in the top ten in the state in Class A.
“We only have four returning players off last year’s team,” coach Christine Drayton said, “and we only have two seniors total on the team. They are doing a great job of coming together. With only four returnees and two seniors, and to have a record of 34-2, I’m very proud of how hard they have worked.”
As usual, DeWitt and rival Mason have been battling it out for the top spot in the conference. The two teams split a pair of matches this season and were tied for the league lead at press time.
A major strong point for this year’s team has been the team chemistry. “The strong points of our team include the positive energy we have at all times,” Drayton said. “The girls never give up, even when we are down. They are also willing to learn and get better every day in practice.”
Defense has been a big factor for the Panthers. Gabi Mundt has been leading the defense. “My libero, Gabi Mundt, has been a constant player for us all season,” Drayton said. “She has been the vocal leader that we need.”
The team is rounding into form and gearing up for the state tournament that begins the first week of November. DeWitt will be playing in the East Lansing district, where it will face host East Lansing in the first round. If the Panthers win their first match, they will face Haslett in the semifinal, with the possibility of facing rival Grand Ledge in the title match November 6. If DeWitt captures the district title, it will head to Portage Central to play in one of the toughest regionals in the state.
“We have a great group of girls that are looking to make a tournament run come November,” Drayton said.