Royal Oak

Royal Oak High volleyball likes what it sees

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Donna Agusti Royal Oak High volleyball captains Kayla Linstruth, left, and Haley Smallwood are hoping to lead the squad to an OAA Blue title. Photo by Donna Agusti Royal Oak High volleyball captains Kayla Linstruth, left, and Haley Smallwood are hoping to lead the squad to an OAA Blue title.

ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak High volleyball coach Heidi Studebaker knows her squad is close to being a real force.

The Ravens are solid on defense and serve-receive, but as the coach said, they need to convert those plays into points.

“We really just need to work on the finish and putting the ball away,” she said during practice Aug. 29. “It’s more just them believing in themselves, knowing they can put the ball away. Knowing when to swing and when not to swing.”

Royal Oak was 0-1 at press time after falling to Madison Heights Lamphere in five games. Last season, the Ravens finished 9-17-4 overall and was fourth in the Oakland Activities Association Blue Division.

Kayla Linstruth and Abbey McKee-Boyes are the returning starters and part of the six total girls that return to the team.

“I love the new girls that have come in. I’m really excited,” Linstruth said.

Studebaker said there are 12 girls on the roster, which is one of the most she has ever carried, and that the skill level is pretty even from top to bottom.

“It makes it a lot tougher for me to make a decision on who’s starting,” she said with a laugh. “I have a good group of girls that are solid and can play multiple positions. There are leaders that I have to keep on the court, but everyone’s skill level is pretty good that I get to choose from.”
 

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062. Follow Christian on Twitter.