Friday, Aug. 08, 2008

Lady Marauders Face Playoffs Rival in Season Opener

MHS Volleyball

By Kevin Lonnquist

Staff Writer

The brilliance of high school sports can be in its irony. Marcus volleyball closed its 2007 season with a tear-jerking Region I quarterfinal loss to Arlington.

In 2008, the Lady Marauders begin their season at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Arlington. Yes, many of the same faces for both sides will be returning from that epic five-game match. And it will likely be an emotional meeting after that playoff game last year.

But as the quest to make the playoffs begins, Marcus coach Cristie Liles wants that match to remain history. Besides, this is the seventh consecutive season Marcus has opened its season with Arlington.

"We’re well aware of it," Liles said. "But this is the first of a long season."

Marcus is facing a busy week. After Arlington, the Lady Marauders play host to Amarillo Tascosa at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and continue next weekend at the Duncanville tournament, where they will open with El Paso Americas.

Like 2007, Liles wants her experienced team to play for tournament championships and win marquee non-district matchups. With nine returning letter winners and a defense that should be a consistent element, there’s no reason to think they will not be able to meet expectations.

"There are expectations to perform well in non-district play," she said. "There’s nothing about moral victories. We’re good enough to compete."

Still, there will be some experimentation. Because the middle blocking position is untested, Liles said she will probably run several players through there. Junior Haley Neisler and senior Kaitlin Samford are considered the front-runners.

However, Liles is looking at two inexperienced but very talented 6-0 freshmen in Lauren Douglass and Elizabeth Fortado.

"They can hold their own a little bit," Liles said. "They’re pushing the older girls and really doing some good things. But the good thing was at team camp, I saw the other two making some strides. I don’t need people to hit the ball hard, because we’ve got the defense."

Developing a second setter behind Lauren Cooke will also be one of the priorities. Liles said it’s going to be important to get senior Bridget McCormick enough playing time so she can develop a rhythmic relationship with the talented front line in Lyndi Johnson and Michelle Hundt.

Briefly…

Liles is honoring her predecessor Suzanne Motes by renaming tonight’s alumi game after her. It is now called the Suzanne Catchings Motes alumni game. Motes lost her battle with cervical cancer earlier this year. The game is at 7 p.m. at Briarhill Middle School.