|
Looking to make it three |
|
|
JACOB ROBINSON SIMCOE REFORMER
Thursday, December 3, 2009
This NSSAA Girls Volleyball season begins much like the last one -- with everyone trying to knock off the Holy Trinity Titans.
Several of the key players to the Titans championship streak are back, but SCS, Valley Heights, Delhi, Waterford and Port Dover are nipping at their heels.
SCS won an early-season tournament that included the Titans and Bears in a day that saw the Sabres split all four sets with their Norfolk rivals. Delhi, Waterford and Port Dover are all improved and will have plenty of players to rely on as the race for the post-season begins today.
HOLY TRINITY TITANS
Last Year's Result :Won NSSAA title
Key Losses:M Danielle Sinnesael
Leaders:P Allie Decker, M Stacey Cairns, LS Tina Zelem, S Sam Mitchell
Overview:Quite simply, the Titans are stacked. Seven players return from last year, and are joined by six of the most athletic juniors you'll find anywhere. It's a multi-talented group -- most know more than one position and are led by three capable setters and as many solid liberos.
The biggest question on the team is: how is everyone going to play? Holy Trinity has so much talent that coach Sonja Bedic will be constantly balancing who gets floor time.
Replacing Sinnesael's work at the net will be tough to do as well.
Expectations:This is the Titans championship to lose. They're big, strong, athletic and deep with talent. Barring unforeseen events, expect another trip to the finals for the ladies in black.
VALLEY HEIGHTS BEARS
Last Year's Result:Lost to Holy Trinity in NSSAA finals.
Key Losses:Libero Amy Klassen, LS Kelsey Townsend
Leaders:Setter Susie Wall, LS Lisa Wall, LS Olivia Kutz
Overview:The Bears enter the season with almost a full roster in the infirmary. Several of the team's starters are suffering from various ailments; so don't judge them on their first half.
Fully healthy, Terry Reimer's squad has a lot of size and power. The veteran club doesn't have any glaring weaknesses, and should give anyone in the league a run for their money, provided their starters can return quickly.
Expectations:Should the Bears be able to plug the holes left by injury, look for a second half surge. The playoffs are well within reach, as is a league title and spot at CWOSSA.
SIMCOE SABRES
Last Year's Result:Lost to Valley Heights in semifinals.
Key Losses:Setter Becky McArthur
Leaders:P Amanda Reaney, Katlynn Meyers
Overview:If an early season tournament championship is any indication, the Sabres have all the tools. Every player on the team plays a specific role, and plays it well. Six juniors from last season have moved up, and are fitting in well with the veterans.
The Sabres have switched up their attack defence, and a new rotation will take some time to get adjusted to.
Expectations:If the Sabres can perform the entire season like they did last week, a playoff spot and shot at the finals is a no-brainer. A chance to go to double-A CWOSSA will also give the team extra incentive.
DELHI RAIDERS
Last Year's Result:Lost to Holy Trinity in semifinals
Key Losses:M Lisa Wall, Libero Carly O'Neil, All Purpose Christina Brush
Leaders:S Alia McIntosh, S Cassie Claus
Overview:DDSS is armed with two of the best setters around in McIntosh and Claus, and will benefit greatly because of it. Five players are back from last season, and will be joined by three graduating from junior, and two junior-aged players. A lot of talent is coming from the younger girls, which bodes well for the Raiders this season and in the future.
With the success off their girls basketball teams, the blue and gold have had limited practice time and are getting used to a system that they haven't played as a group before.
Expectations:Co-coach Gerry Malo said his team should be in the middle of the pack, and will be shooting for a playoff spot.
WATERFORD WOLVES
Last Year:Missed playoffs
Key Losses:Kate Montgomery
Leaders:P Bekha Littlewood, Hitter Shauna Kelly, S Ellen Lorenzen
Overview:Even with losing one of their best players in Montgomery, the Wolves have a much-improved roster that is ready to take on all comers. A veteran roster has taken great strides in receiving and attacking -- namely hitting. The Wolves are looking to be a power-hitting club, and will rely
on Lorenzen to tee it up. Waterford did run into some troubles in regards to court coverage last season. The team is working to get to tips, and getting into the right position at the right time.
Expectations:"We would like to go to CWOSSA," said
coach Dorota Swierniak. "At this point, the girls are just hoping to win some games. A lot of them are in Grade 12, and would like to finish with a winning season."
PORT DOVER LAKERS
Last Year:Missed Playoffs
Key Losses :Setter Kate McMillan, Setter Sarah Lourenco
Leaders:LS Amanda McFarlane, P Silver Smith, Setter Hailey Patterson, P Eryn Stanley, P Morgan Copeland
Overview:The Lakers have a mix of veteran and young blood among their 16 players. Lots of power hitters are back this season, and fit into a group that works well together and keeps positive.
A few of the Lakers players are new to the game, and will help the team build towards the future while getting experience.
Port Dover has been working on their offence, making sure their attacks are as powerful as possible.
Expectations:"We're going to have a lot of fun," said coach Heather Vogt. "The expectations are up to the girls. Overall, we want them to go out and try their best and see what happens." |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 December 2009 )
|
|
|
|
