VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW: Park Hill will focus on tough defense

Coming off a 14-16 record in their first year under new leadership, the Park Hill volleyball team and second year coach Lindsey Hood welcome back a group of players that will use last season’s ups and downs as a benchmark to improve their performance. Even though 2011 is a different season, Hood’s coaching emphasis on defense will continue to be unwavering. Not only will they be stronger experience-wise, but athletically.

“We will be looking to improve our defense again this year,” Hood said. “The girls have been in the weight room getting stronger and hope that is shown throughout the program at all levels.”

The Trojans will welcome back a strong core of last year’s squad including letter winning seniors Jenny Riddle, Halley Knudson, Haley Vernon, junior Lindsey Grace, and sophomore Angelica Pasek. Riddle led the team in assists with 485, Knudson in digs with 216, and Grace with 193 kills. Pasek, who finished the year in the libero position, will be transitioning from a back row player to move of an all-around player, which will allow her ball control to assist the offense more. Senior Teagan Anderson, junior Davon Thomas, and freshman Katie Reichert will also contribute and challenge for positions.

A distant second place finish last year left Park Hill with a taste of what it is like to have conference success. With many of the teams appearing to be competitive coming into 2011, Hood says every game will count and being prepared is a necessity.

“The teams throughout the conference are pretty evenly matched,” Hood said. “We hope to go and play each one to the best of our ability, knowing on any given night, anyone could win.”

With a full year of implementing the program under her belt, Hood believes there will be a more athletic and dedicated team on the floor this fall.

“This year’s team has worked hard in the weight room and put time in with other sports this past spring and summer,” Hood said. We really try to encourage the multi-sport athlete and most of these girls are running with the thought of it. This year you will see their athleticism and hard work out on the court.”