Cv, U-Hi Volleyballers Ready To Take On Strong Gsl

GSL volleyball

The Valley’s youthful Greater Spokane League volleyball teams opened the season this week facing similarly difficult tasks.

Central Valley, which last year made the district playoffs after sharing sixth in league, hosted defending champion and concensus favorite Ferris.

“That’s all right,” said coach Bernie Hite. “I think we’ll take a few lumps until we learn the game.”

University, which went winless in coach Mike Welch’s debut, was at Rogers on Wednesday against a team with a veteran lineup from last year’s fourth-place league finisher and regional participant.

“It will be a fight again every night. It doesn’t matter who you play,” said Welch. “That’s why the league is so strong statewide.”

Both teams will be asked to compete with few seniors and only four returning varsity players apiece.

“You understand the sport and know what we face,” said Hite, of a league which has won eight of the last 12 state championships.

Neither coach measures his team in wins and losses, however. Volleyball is a learning process and success, they say, will be in how much the girls learn and improve.

They won’t have to improve much to better last year’s combined 4-26 GSL record.

Bears would like to repeat

It had been five years between playoffs for CV and the Bears hope to avoid another such lapse.

“It may be a stretch,” said Hite, “but I hope the team learns and makes the playoffs again.”

Last year’s more experienced team was ahead at this time of year, he admitted.

Rikki Jackson and Loni Knigge have the most varsity playing time.

“Obviously, we’ll count on Rikki a lot,” said Hite.

Stephanie Felice and Brooke Asbury are other varsity veterans. Setter Martha Roberts is the other senior.

Juniors Jeri Glines, Allison Gardner and Dawn Stanglund are possible starters.

Other prospects are Kjersti Gemar, setter Tara LaShaw, Marissa Leipman and Amie Helt.

Many played club ball.

“I’m not afraid to start any of the seniors,” said Hite. “At the same time I see a lot of athleticism in the juniors.”

Getting them comfortable with the game and eliminating mistakes, he said, is his goal.

“I’m not coaching to win state, but for the process,” said Hite. “If they do that, we’ll be fine.”

Learning curve for U-Hi coach, players

University High coaches and players hope they’re on the upward side of the learning curve.

Last year was Welch’s first as coach. He returns four players, half of them juniors, bent on improving last year’s 0-16 record.

“What did I learn?” said Welch referring to the winless mark. “I could write a paper on that.”

Aside from the administrative responsibilities which take time away from actually teaching, Welch learned that he had to sell his philosophy to the players, which he’s still doing, and be tougher on the team.

“Last year we were just inexperienced and there was a coaching transition,” said Welch. “The improvement of the returning kids has been night and day.”

Senior middle blocker-outside hitters Jen Madsen and Brandy Cordoza and junior outside hitter Angela McAuley and middle blocker Allison Fryer are the four veterans from last year’s team.

They’ll be joined by a host of newcomers, including senior setter-outside hitter Courtney Red.

Junior hitters Heather Bunkowske, Lisa Vande Vanter, Rheanne Arnold, Brooke Earling and sophomore setter Krissa Poole and hitter Teresa Valkenaar complete the squad.

“The young kids will be real good,” said Welch. “I’m impressed.”

It doesn’t mean the Titans are ready to contend for a title. They will be able to compete against the top teams, said Welch.

“The unfortunate reality is there’s no substitute for experience,” he said.

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