Freeman Team Must Rely On Speed Against Taller Foes

Lack of size on Freeman’s volleyball team has caused coach Ken Davis to reassess his team’s offensive options.

Last year the Scotties tied with Newport for fourth place in the Northeast A League, behind eventual state champion Colfax, state qualifier Deer Park and Lakeside.

Colfax brings back four players who hover near the 6-foot mark and is favored to repeat their league title.

Newport has nine returnees, three of them 6-foot or taller and two others within a couple inches.

“We will try to run a faster offense in order to counteract their size,” said Davis. “When playing bigger teams you have to beat them with speed. We’re going to try and do that.”

Most teams are taller than Freeman, which returns six players from last year, five of them seniors and none taller than 5-foot-9.

They are Jamie Watkins and Jennifer Wilkerson. Also back is second-team All-Northeast A League player Joanna Ramsey, Angela McCathern, Jenny Burton and sophomore Karie Amend.

Those six, along with a couple juniors and three other sophomores, will carry the hopes of the team.

Juniors Nikki Zuber and Helda Dahmen are varsity hopefuls.

Sophomores are Raehann Wasley, Nicki Roecks and Sarah Pratt.

“They’re players,” said Davis.

Despite the fact the Scotties expect to speed up their offense, little else will change. Davis teams have built a solid record on teamwork, defense and passing.

Indeed, the 10 players he keeps on varsity will all see substantial playing time.

“The kids know the secret to winning is to play strong defense and keep the ball in play,” said Davis. “We have to play well together.”

, DataTimes