Blackhawks Bring Experience To Court

Thu., Sept. 18, 1997

Nathan Joyce Correspondent

Cheney volleyball

Pamela McKinzie returns for her second stint as Cheney High School’s volleyball coach and hopes to improve on the Blackhawks’ 7-13 season of a year ago.

McKinzie knows how to coach winning volleyball, however, because she coached the Blackhawks to a state title in 1987.

McKinzie coached six years, stepping down in 1990. She takes over for Amy Cornett, who resigned after last season.

Though Cheney was down last season, McKinzie believes her team is not far from being a winning one. With a roster deep in senior leadership and playing experience, McKinzie knows all that her team needs is confidence that comes from winning.

“They’re working tremendously hard,” said McKinzie. “The work ethic is very, very good.”

Cheney’s starting lineup is composed of seniors Erin Kapiko, Anna Getz and Paula Olson, junior Kara Weitman and sophomore Meghan Conrath.

Seniors Kim Benner and Liza Mustard, juniors Marlo Urdahl and Riley Grant, and sophomores Moira Gresham and Lani McLauchlin round out the roster.

“Cheney is going to surprise some people,” said McKinzie. “We have a great bunch of kids, and it will be an exciting year for us.”

McKinzie sees East Valley as the team to beat in the Frontier League, but don’t count out the Blackhawks.

“If we play our game and stay focused through the match, we will be competitive,” she said.

, DataTimes

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