Friday, Sep. 19, 2008

Break in the Action for Struggling Lady Jaguars

FMHS Volleyball

By John English

Contributing Writer

The Flower Mound volleyball team had a off night last Friday, and coach Marci Brinkman said she thinks a break in the action was very much needed for her team.

The Lady Jaguars had amassed a non-district record of 8-14 heading into Tuesday’s game against Allen, and Brinkman said her players needed the time off to gain some perspective.

"I think it was something that can help us to refocus," Brinkman said. "We can get some rest and heal up those minor injuries or aches and pains. I think it is something that will definitely help us."

Flower Mound had lost three straight games to Plano West , Frisco Liberty and Plano East before Tuesday’s contest, which they lost 3-0.

Brinkman said she has not been overly satisfied with the way the season has unfolded to this point, but said she is not too concerned just yet.

"I definitely don’t feel like we’ve been playing our best," Brinkman said. "I think most of it’s mental, and just a matter of stepping up and playing like a team and like the girls know how. A lot of that is mental. It’s not something to get negative about.

"We haven’t reached district yet, and I definitely think this team is capable of stepping it up by the time that district rolls around and proving themselves out on the court."

Brinkman said the progress she saw near the beginning of the season has slowed, and said she needs her players rise to the challenge week in and week out.

"I think that there is minor improvement here and there," Brinkman said. "The main thing we need to focus on is playing consistently, at their best, the whole match through ... because the skill level is there. They know how to play the game. They are talented players and athletes."

In spite of the difficulties the Lady Jags have had, Brinkman said she believes non-district has done a good job of preparing her team for district competition.

"I believe that we will be ready," Brinkman said. "I know our girls will step it up ... I think the girls are confident. The last year has been good for us. They know how to win; they know how to step it up, so I think that district will be a whole other ball game."

Flower Mound opens district on Sept. 26 at Hebron.