Sanderson volleyball
Spartans set high expectations
If the Sanderson volleyball team can reach its expectations this fall — mounting an impressive playoff run — the Lady Spartans' first step toward achieving that goal actually began three years ago.
It was Sophie Palles and Virginia Fitch's freshman year, and the duo were on opposite ends of the volleyball spectrum.
Palles, already a solid player as a ninth-grader, made the Lady Spartans' varsity squad. On the other hand, Fitch, a newcomer to the sport, was taking her lumps on jayvee.
Three years later, after an admittedly up-and-down stretch for Sanderson, Palles and Fitch are confident this athletic group is ready to contend in the Cap-7 Conference.
"We have had some seasons in the past which haven't been very good," Palles said, following a Sanderson practice last week. "But we have a lot of talent this year — and have a new coach — and hopefully we can put it all together. We think it can be a good season."
Stephanie Rhodes, formerly an assistant coach, takes over the Lady Spartans' program, which has an experienced roster returning.
In all, Sanderson has six seniors back, including three returning starters.
Entering her fourth season on varsity, Palles has only continued to grow as a player, and is the squad's "strongest hitter," Rhodes said.
The coach also marveled at the progress of Fitch, who stars as a middle blocker. "She has come such a long way since freshman year, and she is a very solid player for us," Rhodes added.
Several young players have also caught Rhodes' eye, including first-year setter Anna Ellison as well as MacKenzie Averett and Emma Celentano.
"Anna is a hard worker, and MacKenzie just does everything hard," the coach said. "She swings hard, serves hard, and goes after every single ball. She is just a competitor."
Rhodes called Celentano "scrappy" and the sophomore will mostly be the squad's libero — a defensive specialist.
With several Cap-7 squads boasting Division-I level players, Sanderson must weather a tough conference schedule to advance to the postseason. But once in the playoffs, the competition can't get much stronger.
Rhodes said the pieces are in place to have a successful season, but the Lady Spartans must first develop consistency.
"We need to play competitively from point 1 to point 25 in every single game," she said. "We need to play hard, play competitive and be scrappy. If we can learn to play as a team, we could do well."
Sanderson opens its season with Cary Monday, Aug. 17, and Athens Drive, Aug. 18.
Both matches begin at 6 p.m.
