EV Volleyball Team Works On Quicker Offense

Frontier volleyball

A year after finishing undefeated in the seven-team Frontier League, East Valley’s veteran volleyball team faces a revamped four-team league season with different goals.

“We decided after last year’s state appearance, that we’re not going to be taller than teams so we’ve gone to a quicker offense,” said coach Jim Dorr.

It sounds like the Knights expect a return trip to state.

To do so they’ll have to get past improved teams from West Valley and Clarkston, as well as a Cheney team that returns its entire lineup.

They also must advance through a six-team regional tournament that will include Mid-Valley League teams.

“Mainly all we’re trying to do is take care of ourselves right now,” said Dorr. “We’re having enough troubles (with the offense) as it is.”

The Knights have bolstered their smaller league schedule with matches against defending AAA state champion Bethel, A champion Colfax and Idaho powers St. Maries and Sandpoint.

Beefed up opposition and a new offense are designed to improve EV volleyball.

“We went after the best competition we could find to see how good we could be,” said Dorr. “I think the kids are looking foward to the challenge.”

All-leaguers lead Knights

Returned are Frontier League most valuable player Deb Asbury, all-league selections Christie Grochowski at middle blocker, Jenny Kann at setter and Kristin Holleran outside.

Also back is defensive specialist Tricia Stookey, outside hitter Tessa Neal and junior standout Rebecca Triplett.

“She’s liking the new stuff (offense) tremendously,” said Dorr, “to take advantage of her athletic ability.”

Sophomore Elly Smith is pushing Kann at setter. Seniors Staci Haye and Terri Hendren and junior Rachelle Schultz provide experience and depth.

Swing players are sophomores Katie Hirst, Amanda Kline and junior Charlyn Johnson.

“It’s nice to work with talent,” said Dorr. “Now it’s a matter of making sure everyone’s on the same page.”

New talent joins WV veterans

Half a dozen experienced players will lead West Valley into the Frontier League season.

But second-year coach Carol Preston is counting on contributions from her newcomers.

“They put time in during offseason and are really coming on,” she said. “It’s a dimension we didn’t have before.”

The Eagles are in good shape up front with returning all-league seniors Chantelle Frost and Cameron Ouellette.

The addition of junior middle blocker Lindsay Closs has enabled Ouellette to use her talents outside.

“That is where she belongs,” said Preston.

Other senior veterans are Rachelle Watson, Jolee Carr, Sarah Collins and Kari Aquino.

Juniors Angie Burtzoff, Alicia Johnson and Sarah Decker will provide depth, particularly in the back row, and Melissa Dahlquist adds stability in the middle.

Junior Melissa Cochrane and sophomore Amber Fleisher are setters.

All teams will participate in an end-of-season tournament with the top two finishers, including the regular season champion, advancing to regionals. From there three teams will advance to state.

“As seniors, I think they feel the urgency,” said Preston. “I think they are thrilled with the supporting cast. The girls will do OK.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo