Roseville

Roseville volleyball team hopes tough slate has prepped them well for postseason

By Jason Carmel Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Donna Agusti The Roseville High volleyball team starts the 2012 postseason with an MHSAA Class A district semifinal against Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at Roseville. Pictured is Panthers senior right- side hitter Kajsha Albert. Photo by Donna Agusti The Roseville High volleyball team starts the 2012 postseason with an MHSAA Class A district semifinal against Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at Roseville. Pictured is Panthers senior right- side hitter Kajsha Albert.

ROSEVILLE — The Roseville High volleyball team has played a strong schedule this season, according to coach Tom Pfiefer.

Facing tough competition has played a role in the Panthers sporting an 11-20-3 record, including finishing 3-7 in the Macomb Area Conference Gold Division.

The wins haven’t piled up as the team might have liked, but the experience of facing stout programs could serve Roseville well come the postseason, according to senior middle hitter Katie Kyewski.

“We have what it takes to be a strong playoff team,” said junior setter Megan Juncai, agreeing with her teammate.

The Panthers begin the 2012 Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs with a Class A district semifinal matchup with Clinton Township Chippewa Valley. First serve is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at Roseville.

The Panthers and Big Reds received byes to the semis. Also in the Roseville district are Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Fraser.

“I think it’s made us ready to play against any type of team,” Kyewski said. “We’ve seen so many different approaches that we should be ready for anything.”

Pfiefer, in his fourth year with Roseville, said his team has battled all season in preparation for the playoffs. The Panthers’ coach said 17 of those 20 losses have come by just a few points.

Juncai said Roseville is a strong offensive team that records a lot of kills.

Kyewski, tapped as a difference-maker by Pfiefer at the start of the season, said the Panthers had been working on passing and serve/receive in practices leading up to the playoffs.

“Now’s the time for us to put everything together,” the senior middle hitter said. “I think we can make a run. We just have to focus.”

Shamrocks host Class A district

The East Detroit High volleyball team is hosting a seven-team MHSAA Class A district.

The Shamrocks’ Oct. 30 quarterfinal match with Detroit-East English Village Prep took place after press time. The quarterfinal winner faces St. Clair Shores Lakeview at 7 p.m. Nov. 1.

Also in the Shamrocks’ district are Detroit Southeastern, Grosse Pointe South, Detroit Denby and Grosse Pointe North.

For more information on the MHSAA state volleyball playoffs, check www.candgnews.com or www.mhsaa.com.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Jason Carmel Davis at jdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1107. Follow Jason Carmel on Twitter.