VOLLEYBALL
Just four contests into the season, Sasha Karelov (left), Dany Rube and the Leesville Road volleyball program have shown plenty of improvement. And while the Pride is entering its beyond difficult conference schedule, expectations are beginning to rise.
Cougars overcome Pride volleyball
Following Thursday's 3-0 loss to Wake Forest-Rolesville, first-year Leesville Road volleyball coach Taine Mergenthaler said he's really appreciated the kind words he's received from parents and supporters after games.
Their thoughtfulness is quite comforting, he explained, but eventually he hopes they'll give him a rough time. And he meant it — jokingly.
"I hoping someday we can get our program to where I get people telling me I did a bad job after a loss, not a good job," he laughed. "I want to get to the point where people expect us to do well."
But Mergenthaler and the Pride are on the ground floor of the program's rebuilding process. And change takes time. However, signs of progress are beginning to show.
Members of the Pride's volleyball team clap during the introductions of Tuesday's game against Green Hope.
Pride volleyball shows 'flashes'
With two games under its belt, the Leesville Road volleyball team has shown flashes of its potential, coach Taine Mergenthaler explained Tuesday night.
But unfortunately for the first-year coach and the Pride, victories have eluded them so far.
Continued ...
Leesville Road senior Rachel Wood hopes to turn around the Pride's volleyball program this fall.
Pride primed for rebound
Considering he's inherited a volleyball team which recorded one victory last fall, first-year Leesville Road coach Taine Mergenthaler isn't as bad off as most people would think.
Why the optimism? Because the Pride is motivated, but more importantly, it's roster is talented.
"They know that they were 1-16 last year, but this year they are working — I won't say to avenge that — but they want to make sure that doesn't happen," Mergenthaler said.
