Photo by Tracy Dreslinski Clinton Township Clintondale’s Brittany McLaughlin passes the ball during a recent match. The Dragons will invade Mount Clemens High for a 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 match against their rivals, the Bathers.

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

Clinton Township Clintondale has recently had rival Mount Clemens High’s number on the volleyball court, but the Bathers are hoping to change that when the squads meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 for a Macomb Area Conference Bronze Division match.

“We haven’t beat them in awhile,” Mount Clemens coach Nino Trevelloni said.  “We’ve been close, but maybe this is the year.”

 The Bathers, who will open their home schedule against the Dragons, got off to a strong start in the MAC Bronze, winning their first two division contests. Making that record all the more impressive is the fact that the Bathers didn’t win a division match in at least the past three seasons.

Trevelloni said the team’s newfound confidence has boosted the program.

“The girls realize they can play,” he said. “They’re mentally tough — that’s always been one of our problems. But now they realize they can do whatever they want to. It’s a matter of attitude.”

That new positive outlook will be especially helpful when Clintondale, 1-1 in the MAC Bronze at press time, comes to town. The Dragons have finished at least .500 or better in division play the past three seasons, including a second-place finish last year.

Trevelloni said he knows his team will be excited about facing their rivals and hopes they can focus on the match.

“They’re always on top; they always beat us,” Trevelloni said. “I don’t have to tell the girls anything. I just want them to be relaxed.

“It’s always big, in every sport — football, basketball. They’re our neighbors, and both teams want to win.”

You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040.