Silver lining

Plymouth volleyball team plays well in four-game loss to state-ranked Chargers

  Some losses are easier to swallow than others.

  Case in point: the Plymouth volleyball team's four-game setback to Livonia Churchill Thursday night.

  The Wildcats did something few KLAA South teams have been able to accomplish this season -- win a game against the Chargers -- and their inspired effort pleased coach Kelly McCausland.

  "I am so proud of our level of play tonight," McCausland said. "After an upsetting loss to Canton on Tuesday, we worked on our mental toughness at practice yesterday. our main focus going into tonight's match was to continue battling through every point.

  "We also knew that their outside hitters were going to get a high percentage of balls, so we also worked on our block. We have made some adjustments to the lineup to pose that block, and they executed it beautifully."

  Front-row standouts Kelly Smoltz (seven blocks and eight block deflections) and Alex Roberts (seven blocks, 17 block deflections and six kills) made Churchill's dangerous outside hitters work for every point.

  "As much as we love the 'stuff' block," McCausland said, "the deflections definitely helped our defense react to balls."

  Senior Erin O'Connor had an outstanding match, picking up 17 digs and serving at a 100-percent rate.

  "Lindsey Stemberger controlled our serve reception with 24 passes to target and only one reception error," McCausland noted. "As we all know, if we have a consistent pass game, then our whole momentum changes."

  Dani Risi led the Wildcats' offense with 12 kills and 11 digs. Katie Salo added 27 assists and 11 digs.

  Plymouth dropped to 22-10-1 overall and 5-5 in the KLAA South.

Ed Wright can be reached at info@plymouthcantonsports.com or (734) 453-1980.