Lakers moving on after struggling at opening tourney

West Bloomfield opened its 2011 campaign by hosting the Laker Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 20.

The Lakers finished 0-1-2 in pool play, falling to Novi (9-25, 13-25) and splitting matches with Pennfield (18-25, 25-23) and Davison (20-25, 25-22).

West Bloomfield earned the eighth seed in the playoffs and faced Novi once again. The Lakers fell to the Wildcats a second time (11-25, 17-25).

Midland defeated Novi in the invitational’s championship match.

“Our goal today was to try to establish a rhythm on defense that would allow us to run a quick offense,” said Lakers Head Coach Julian Wargo. “Our service reception wasn’t as strong as it needed to be. Ball control is an important part of the game. We’ll go back into the gym this week and work harder on team passing.”

Senior outside attacker Jackie Pyles led the Lakers with 19 kills, 3 aces and 1 block.

Senior middle blocker Elandra McConney finished with 4 kills, 1 ace and 4 blocks and junior middle blocker Tara Heald had 7 kills, 2 aces and 2 blocks.

The Lakers will return to action on Thursday, Sept. 8 when they travel to Bloomfield Hills Lahser.