Dragons Win District Title BUT Toughest Challenge Awaits.

Written Saturday November 7th at 12:00 AM

The Orion Dragons did win their first district title since 2011 when they beat the Oxford Wildcats 25-12, 27-25, and 25-19 but what will await them will probably be their greatest challenge in the Regional Semifinals.

Orion coach Tony Scavarda created the Wildcats performance and mental toughness especially in the second and third sets. "I was happy with the way we came out in the first set right away. I was worried though because we played them one time before that we had them in the first set and then let down in the second and they played us a lot tougher just like they did in the second set tonight. We made a lot of hitting errors hitting wise which I think is a little uncharacteristic of us so I think we can clean that up a lot" Scavarda said to MIPrepzone Oakland writer Matt MacKinder.

The Dragons (62-7) were led by Natalie Wehner's 12 kills. Leah Kalugar and Wies Hurkmans had seven kills and Lindsay Wightman had nine digs on the night.

The challenge will not get any easier for Orion as they will travel to Romeo to take on the Bulldogs on Tuesday at 7 PM. The first game will be Fenton taking on Utica Eisenhower at 5:30 PM at Romeo.

Why would it be a challenge???

Romeo has a low ceiling which could be a huge advantage for the Bulldogs in this match-up along with one of the State's best players in Maryland bound Gia Milana.

Romeo is also the defending State Champions and have took out two MAC powers in Macomb Dakota and Anchor Bay both in three sets in the district tournament. Besides Milana, coach Stacey Williams will counter with its fair share of experience as well in Brianna Olley, Erica LeBeare, Jodie Kelly, Amber Flinn, Payton Klein, and Lindsey Webber.

The Bulldogs feel that home court being in a small gym with a low ceiling will work to their advantage. "Going into our home gym we feel pretty confident. Lake Orion has beaten us in the past but we work better together at home. I'm excited. Our low ceiling gym will play to our advantage" said Olley to MIPrepzone Macomb writer Chuck Pleiness.

Does Orion have a Chance in Romeo???

Absolutely they do but they are going to have to play well and limit mistakes. The Dragons have played in small gyms before like Farmington and also in Middle School where Scripps and Waldon have very low ceilings.

The Dragons have played the Bulldogs before in tournaments and beaten them. Orion has had the Bulldogs number this season with tournament wins at Portage Central (2-0), the Beast of the East in quarterfinals (2-1), and recently at Seaholm (2-1.) They know Romeo very well.

There is no pressure on Orion, Romeo is at home and usually if things don't go well for the home team then teams get tight.

Dragons outside hitter Natalie Wehner and liberio Kori Varney played with Milana on it's National Championship Team in AAU Volleyball so you know their is a connection right there.

This match will likely go five games so we'll see what happens.