Lafayette volleyball looking to finish strong

Lafayette High's volleyball team reached the Class 3A state volleyball semifinals in 2013.

By John Harvey

HarveySports757@yahoo.com

JAMES CITY – Keith Nowadly’s coaching philosophy is simple, “it’s not how you start, but how you finish."

Lafayette High’s volleyball team epitomized that mantra last fall, winning 12 of its final 16 games to advance to the Group 3A state semifinals.

Six players return from that team, which should serve them well in the always tough Bay Rivers District.

Lafayette setter Julia Howard earned all-conference honors.

“A full season, which included postseason (play), gave our core players some needed experience, especially wining close matches,” Nowadly said. “Having graduated five players, we'll need leadership from our core players to direct our newcomers.”

Anchoring the list of returners is all-state selection Abby Oren. The 5-foot-9 sophomore outside hitter emerged as one of the premiere hitters in the district, ranking second on the team in kills and blocks. Look for her to be the No.1 option at the net this season with the graduation of middle blocker Kiersten Langerud.

Seniors Nora Nettles and junior Chandler Boone should also provide depth on the front line for the Rams. Nettles is an athletic outside hitter that has really improved her court awareness and knows how to finish at the net. Boone, 5-foot-11 junior is much improved. Look for her to really flourish as a two-way player.

Julia Howard, Shaylee Ruescher and Lindsay Wainwright are also back in the mix for the Rams.

Howard returns for her third season as the team’s setter, bringing stability to the position. The junior was an all-conference selection and isn’t afraid to attack defenses as a hitter to.

Ruescher and Wainwright are both solid defenders for the Rams. Ruescher saw some time at libero last season and will be counted on in serve-receive. Wainwright is an athletic junior that has really improved her game.

Nowadly is also impressed with the five newcomers to this year’s team. Madison Vandall, Douglas Fisher, Michaiah Vega and Kelly Carroll made the jump from the junior varsity ranks. Freshman Abby Goettsch will transition from middle school volleyball to the varsity level.

Vandall is expected to take over the libero position for the Rams this season. She has great footwork and is always in position on the backline. Carroll has impressed in preseason workouts and could have a major role as an outside hitter.

Nowadly has spent most of preseason practice focusing on fundamentals. “Being a little undersized at the net, we will need to step up the defensive game,” he said. “We will need to serve and pass better than our opponents.”

The Lafayette coach said what the team lacks in stature, they make up for with pure hustle and heart. That should serve them well as they get later into the season.

“My goals don’t change from season to season,” Nowadly said. “We want to be better in the econ half than in the first half. Given how few club volleyball players we have, it’s imperative we fast track them to finish the season strong.”

Contact me at HarveySports757@yahoo.com or @HarveySports757 via Twitter.