“The team needs to be more consistent passing and cut down on unforced errors, and we’ll play with anyone.
I am really pleased with the setting of Delanee Stapp and Ashley Carroll. Ashley just returned from winning second place in the USA shooting at the National Trap Competition in Texas, and this qualifies her for International competition. Selfishly, I am just glad she is back as her energy and speed just pushes us,” said Coach Chip Fenenga.
Also returning this week was Coach Fenenga, who completed his third lung resection at Stanford, taking out one half of his right lobe. “It was tough for a few days but I am very fortunate to get out here on the court and focus on developing a great group of young ladies who really have the potential to be the best team we have had here. Before I left, the team made a big poster that was up in the hospital room that everyone at Stanford commented on. For me, I looked at that a lot and drew strength from their kindness.”
Stapp has been working on the quick set timing and often finds senior Emiliee Newton and junior Danielle Carlson floating in the middle, crushing the quick hit. “They have both elevated their game with Emilie consistently racking up kills. I have also seen some great things from Devon de Werd, who is showing great promise. Haylee Stapp has become a big blocker for us and can shut down many hitters. Annika Bastanchury has nailed down the starting opposite position with a huge block and big kills. If anyone gets sick or hurt, Paige Lockhart would come up from JV and fill in as she is good enough to play for us right now.”
Outside, the Pirates will count on Ellen Hemming and Rachel Szeyller to provide pinpoint passing, floor defense and big swings.
“I’ve also seen Devon Williams, Kelsey Fulmer and Roxy Clark pass well and that should help anchor us against a strong serving team. It is really tough to replace our seniors from last year. Of course Aly Squires dominated the league for the last 4 years and has gone on to even bigger success at UCI, so this year’s team has to be more rounded and depends on everyone to be as successful. I’d love to see us focus on a positive contact each point, support each other and dare to be great.”
The junior varsity team looks to compete for their fifth consecutive Los Padres League title, as well with some talented returners and tall newcomers. Freshman middles Susanna Cole and Hayley Hamer have shown promise as middles and are working on connecting with setters Alice Mullin and Pricilla Trancoso.
“They can block well and hit with power. Once we develop a quick middle attack, it will open a lot for us,” said coach Tom Wright.
Outside, the Pirates will use Megan Schumer, Paige Lockhart and Kelly Krivulka as hitters and primary passers. “These kids can all play varsity already and are working to develop power and consistency. All three can just tattoo the ball and have good volleyball instincts. Paige has worked all summer to learn that right side and can set as well as block and hit.”
Also competing for playing time are Megan Donner, Rylee Erickson, Lexi Gianis, Hayley Smith, Paige Tambini and Cassidy Beery. “You never know who will develop and shine at the JV level. On a given day, anyone can step up and really help their team. I am pleased with our progress but we have a very demanding preseason that requires us to push ourselves in practice,” noted Wright. Team captains are Rylee Erickson and Megan Schumer.
“The frosh/soph team has been really supportive of each other, positive and are developing a team chemistry,” said coach Kris Agin. The Pirates will play a non-league frosh schedule as the league has dropped all freshman sports. This means they will compete with some very strong programs and also play some JV teams to fill their schedule out. “Unfortunately the only way to stop Mrs. Agin from winning another LPL title was to drop the sport,” laughed Fenenga. “Kris has been an outstanding tennis, basketball and volleyball coach here and a role model for the young ladies. We are fortunate to have her here.”
“To be successful, the girls need to maintain an intensity throughout practice, developing an instinctive feel for the game. They need to not think as much and be in the right spots early, anticipating instead of reacting,” commented Mrs. Agin. The frosh have four good setters and that will help them. Sam Newnham and Maddy Mexico have distinguished themselves, with Heather Caughell and Ariel Johnston also providing good hitting opportunities. Middle hitters Lanea Birnie and Kelsey Finland can block and are working on consistently getting kills. Left-side hitters Sophia Lugo, Jivka Grozeva, quick lefty Ariel Johnston and Lauren Peters can pass and play all around. Opposite hitters Sarah Fenenga and Heather Caughell play the demanding right side and will have to block and set, as well as hit balls coming across their bodies. Passing and defensively the team has some strong athletes in Cynthia Arroyo, and Deanna Lutz. Coming off injuries, McKensey Richmond and Gabriella Capasso will be expected to contribute once they have been cleared.”
Team captains are Ariel Johnston and Sam Newnham. “I hope we push ourselves and have a fun season developing skills and a passion for the game,” added Agin.
— Staff Report