Two years removed from an incredible run to the state semifinals, the Memorial volleyball team looks to reach that lofty goal again in 2008. But the Mustangs will have to do it without probably one of the best players in the school’s history.

Outside hitter Sidney Stewart, who graduated and is now at SMU, was the glue to Memorial for the last two years with her strong hitting and tough defense.  But there is a strong nucleus of seniors that were also on that 2006 team that made it to state, and there is motivation by this group to end their high school careers with another Region III championship.

“It’s a confidence thing and a desire thing for them because they’ve been there,” head coach Beth Gammill said. “This is their third year (on varsity), and they want to be successful this year.”

Gammill is hoping that outside hitters Shawn Hindman and Paige Johnson can pick up where Stewart left off in hitting, with key roles by Kirby Monson. “Those three went to state with us, so they know what it’s about,” Gammill said.

Other key players include Alexandra Ciaccio, Sydney Sherman, Colleen Mattingly and Nicole Brady on a team that has strong hitting, but has to work on the little things to be ready for the season. And scrimmages against area powers like Clear Creek, Katy and Fort Bend Clements should get the Mustangs ready for the upcoming season.

And Memorial’s non-district schedule is equally tough, with matches against Katy, Fort Bend Dulles and Pearland, along with tournaments in Katy and Pearland that will feature two teams that are arguably the toughest teams in the region, Clear Creek and Kingwood.

“It will be a tough non-district schedule, but it will be good for us,” Gammill said. “It will hopefully get us ready for the playoffs when we get there.”

The Mustangs will also have to adjust to a new District 18-5A, in which Gammill sees a step up in competition with the addition of the Alief ISD schools, along with rival Stratford, who always plays Memorial tough.

Memorial will scrimmage  against four teams on Aug. 8, facing Clear Creek, Morton Ranch, Langham Creek and St. Agnes. Gammill hopes that the scrimmage can allow her team to work on the little things before the season starts on Aug. 12 at home against Cypress Creek.

“We just have to work on our ball control and pick up on a couple of things, we should be good to go,” Gammill said.
 

Subscribe to this comment's feed