The Oxford Blackhawks volleyball team gets ready on defense. The defending MAC league champions swept Sidney in the 2023 season and home opener. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

OXFORD – The Oxford Blackhawks, the defending 2022 MAC champions, returned to the court to host Sidney for the first contest of the new 2023 season. The Blackhawks didn’t waste anytime as they played strong and swept all three games.

The third set was the competitive of the three as Sidney started with a brief lead and then came close, but Oxford powered through to finish with the 3-0 shutout.

It was an all-around effort for the Blackhawks with Ava Benjamin paving the way with 15 assists, seven kills, and two aces. Quinnlin LaMonica had six kills, one block and an ace, while Mya-Rae Roys finished with four kills, four digs, and three aces. Brianna Fowlston earned two kills, two aces, and two digs as Leah Oliver had two kills and an ace and Olivia Oliver with one kill.

Kassidy Miller led Oxford with six digs while Lily Baxter and Emmalee Reiss finished with two digs each. Abby Stone also contributed with one ace in the win.

Coach Kim Martin was impressed throughout the whole match, even before it started.

“Tonight was a great start to the season.  Before the game even started, the sound system was not working in the gym and in a heartwarming move, the fans in the stands sang the star spangled banner,” Martin said.  “It really set the mood with the community pulling together for the teams.  Thank you Oxford, we hope you enjoyed the game!”

Martin also applauded both the JV and varsity teams following the home opener.

“Every girl on the JV and Varsity Volleyball teams were able to play tonight and show their skills,” she said. “We are very excited to see what these teams will do this year.”

Oxford resumes play this evening on the road at Walton.

Full Results:

OX 25 - SI 9

OX 25 - SI 7

OX 25 - SI 15