Last night, Whitmore Lake took on Oakland Christian looking to put another notch in the win column. In the first set, Whitmore Lake wanted a little more of a challenge and spotted the Lancers a 10 point lead after just two rotations at 13 – 3. The girls were a little off, not serving or communicating well, giving up a lot of easy points. A time out cured the ailment and the teams played pretty even for the remainder of the set, but the early damage had already spelled doom and the Trojans dropped the first set 13 – 25. The second set was a different story with Lydia Stewart giving the Trojans a nine point advantage before Oakland Christian could get a side out for their first point. A few rotations later, Oakland Christian cut into the lead, bringing the Lancers back within two at 10 – 12, but Lily Thorpe opened the gap right back up, serving another four points for the Trojans, making it 17 – 10. Both teams played even again until Stewart made it back to the serving line and closed out the set 25 – 16. Now with each team claiming one set, it would come down to the 15 point third set. After Coraline Zimmer finished serving, Whitmore Lake held an early lead at 5 – 2, and were a third of the way to victory. Oakland Christian stormed back, but Olivia Laitila told the Lancers that this was our house and it was time for them to pack up and get ready to go home serving four more points for a 10 – 4 Trojans lead. Oakland Christian wasn’t ready to leave yet and mounted a comeback attempt, bringing them within two at 8 – 10. A couple of side outs later and a point off the Talia Kolic serve put the Trojans oh so close at 13 – 9, but a dropped Trojan serve gave Oakland Christian another chance. After giving up another point, Whitmore Lake stole the ball back, putting the Trojans at match point, with the Lancers close behind at 11. The pressure was on as Avery Handy stepped to the serving line. She came through in the tense moment, delivering an ace to win the set and match at 15 – 11. The girls continue to improve each match with a better understanding of the offense and after some hitting practice the day before eliminated the trouble they had during the previous match of hitting the ball out of bounds. The girls are also responding well to coaching and during time outs, while also never thinking they are out of a match or giving up. One of the highlights came in the crucial third set where Ellie Sherer had a point saving tip that dropped to the floor and the Lancer side of the net. Clara Zimmer had a strong serving night for the Trojans, while Lucia Pascoe made some key passes during the second set win. Laitilla was a calming presence on the court all night for Whitmore Lake doing whatever is necessary to keep the Trojans going and is becoming a force at the net with numerous attacks ending in kills. The win gives the 7th grade Trojans an early season winning record at 2 – 1 (2 – 1 MIAC). On Thursday, the girls will hop on the bus for a match against Southfield Christian.