WP Looking Up At 2011

WAITSBURG-The WP Lady Cardinals Volleyball Team are licking some bruises and soaking sore muscles after a very long and hot first week of practice .

Angie Potts begins her first season as head coach for the Cardinals and Wendy Richards will assist.

The Lady Cards lost four 2010 seniors, including league standout Genesis Pearson who now plays for Blue Mountain Community College.

Seven seniors return to Kison court to put in their bid for the district title. Leading that group are outside hitter and all around blocker Ronnie Hulce and starting setter Kayla Huxoll. Together these two should prove to be a deadly duo for the 2011 season.

" My hitting has improved since last year," said Hulce. "I'm hitting the line better and am excited to step up into more of a leadership role this year."

Other seniors include Dionna Baker, Victoria Bly, Amanda Cook, Jessica Guay and Tonde Rowlette.

With 14 varsity players vying for six starting positions there are still some decisions to be made. "We've yet to find our libero," says Potts. "Finding your defensive specialist can sometimes take time."

The libero is only allowed to play the back row and cannot attack the net. The decision on who will be taken out of the running as a front row attacker will not be an easy one to make.

Junior transfer Sarah Mascall or Baker may prove to fit this role but both have the potential to excel as an outside hitter.

Amanda Cook's tenacity on the floor would make for a great libero but would take away from the Hulce/ Cook blocking duo.

" We're narrowing it down," said Potts. "We'll be ready by our opener with Dayton."

After a disappointing 2010 season, the Lady Cards are excited for this upcoming year.

"Most of the teams in the league this year are going to have issues with depth," said Potts. "I don't see any team completely dominating the league this year."

" Teams like Desales and Dayton have a couple of strong players, but their bench doesn't run too deep," said Potts. "We'll be able to hold our own."

"I think Dayton will be tough this year," said Hulce. "They are always working hard and pushing themselves and that's what makes them tough. If we work as hard as I know we can, we can beat them."

This year, the Lady Cards will use positive attitudes, leadership and hard work to improve its record and fight its way to the top of the Blue Mountain League.

The WP Cardinals begin their 2011 season Sept. 7 at Dayton.