LAKEVILLE - Having played volleyball since sixth grade, Olivia Markin has worked to improve her game. No matter what position she is playing, be it defense, setter, or attack mode, Markin always strives to be at her best. Recently, Markin had one of those nights. A career kind of night. The 5'-9" setter-opp (or opposite hitter) was in the 'zone' and helped LaVille to a five-set victory. Coach Pat Gring's club did use a balanced offensive attack to go with a scrappy defense and a career-night by Markin. Markin led LHS attackers with 12 kills. She also added eight aces, 19 assists, and a season-best 37 digs. We had a chance to chat with coach Gring about Olivia's effort. "What a night for Olivia!" said the LaVille skipper. "I knew she was doing well but was so pleased and proud upon seeing her stats to discover she shattered her previous records in so many areas. Her leadership and enthusiasm for the sport and her teammates is definitely one of our strengths this season! She's a lot of fun to watch and it's been wonderful to see her growth and maturity as a player." The LaVille senior all-around player appreciates her Lancer teammates, as well. "The Bethany Christian match not only for me, but for our team, felt like a start to a great season," said Markin. "Coming off from our win against Argos we didn't play to what LaVille volleyball looks like in our eyes. Being able to come and go to 5 sets and to continue to play to our full ability the whole time was amazing. The team work was there and it only made us more of a team." Markin has had a lot of help through the years, especially since several other family members enjoy the sport. "I have played volleyball since the 6th grade," explained Markin. "Each of my older sisters and also my mom played volleyball so I guess you could say it runs in my family. "Each day, game or practice my love for volleyball can only seem to grow. It's the team, the girls, coaching, and just the feeling of having another family I love so much. That and that there's no better feeling than cheering on each other through every point." And each point was crucial as the match went the distance - five sets! The two teams battled for every point. Not just for one set, but for all five sets. And with each attack, the Lancers could be found doing whatever they could to keep the ball alive. "Defensively my goal is always to know before it happens," noted Markin. "Coach has always said to us "read the ball, watch their hands" - that is what gets me 37 digs. "I was unaware of the number of digs until the next day. I was shocked, you don't realize how much you've achieved until it's over. When I was told I was more proud of the fact that that's 37 more chances our team got at getting more points." Not only was her digging and attacking ability on point, Markin also led the team in aces and assists. "Playing all around comes rewards but also many risks you could say," said Markin. "A lot more chances to make mistakes but there's so many more rewards. Getting to celebrate every point with the team. But, my favorite thing is getting to do it all. From passing to hitting there's no better feeling in my opinion. From the best pass to the kill that gets people off their feet it's above all the best feeling." Markin acknowledged the new career high, but also understands she is reaping the fruits of her labor. "At this point in the season we have made so much improvement," concluded Markin. "Being able to achieve this in my senior season has made such an impact as a player. I have put a lot of work into volleyball since 6th grade and now it's all paying off. I can't wait to finish out the season and see what else I can achieve." For now, however, it is on to the next challenge.