Volleyball team has new coach, new offense
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Jennifer Daughenbaugh feels it’s only a matter of time before everything begins to fall into place for the Anzar High girls volleyball team.
“And I really believe that,” she said.
One year removed from a 15-12 season in which the Hawks returned to the Central Coast Section Division V playoffs after a one-year absence, little has gone right for Anzar to start the 2009 season.
For one, the team lost five seniors to graduation last year, including starting setter Kerstin Tuning and starter Erin Deleissegues, both of whom acted as the team’s captains.
Daughenbaugh, meanwhile, is filling in for head volleyball coach Chris Wardlaw, who is taking the year off after his wife recently delivered a baby. Wardlaw remains as an advisor to the team, conducting practices once a week and even holding team lunches on game days.
But perhaps the biggest hit to this year’s Hawks squad came on the injury front. Anzar returned only two seniors to this year’s team, and both have suffered significant injuries already.
Outside hitter Nicole Mello, arguably the Hawks’ best all-around player and its only returning varsity senior, tore her ACL during the preseason, Daughenbaugh said, while defensive specialist Averi Pavese broke her toe after just one match.
Below is this week’s San Benito Score, featuring the Anzar volleyball team:
The losses have forced Daughenbaugh to move her players around like puzzle pieces.
Although both Mello and Pavese returned to the starting lineup on Tuesday night in a three-game loss at Pacific Grove (19-25, 11-25, 18-25), Mello’s play was limited. Normally on the front line, the senior could only play as a defensive specialist.
“I think it’s a little bit difficult because each week I’ve had to do something different,” Daughenbaugh said. “It’s a huge challenge for me, but also for the girls.
“They’ve done pretty well considering what they were thrown into this year.”
The Hawks have compiled a 4-5 record this season – their lone non-tournament win coming in four games over Scotts Valley. But Daughenbaugh is adamant her team will bounce back from its slow start, from its injuries, and adapt to its new offensive formation.
“It’s just about working together as a team. It’s about finding that rhythm,” the first-year head coach said. “But they’re not doing anything wrong.”
Sophomore Alex Flores, who is Anzar’s best returning kill leader, has taken over the captain duties as well as the outside hitter position in the absence of Mello, while Daughenbaugh implemented a 6-2 offense with setters Carly Johnson and Sydnee Masuen running the attack from the back row.
At times, Daughenbaugh said, Anzar runs through a 10-player rotation as a result. Jayci Imlay has been used at the DS position, while Brittany Hogeman and Viri Rios are first-year varsity players, but are expected to contribute as opposites.
Right side Camille Merz returns 82 kills, 17 aces and a team-high 33 blocks to Anzar, and Jessica Stofer and Nicki Seymour will team up at the middle blocker position for the Hawks this season. Brianna McCain and Jessica Frusetta also return to the varsity roster.
With usual suspects King City, Santa Catalina and Carmel expected to be jockeying for Mission Trail supremacy, the Hawks (0-1 MTAL, 4-5) have remained competitive, even in defeat and despite their injuries.
Hopefully, it’s only a matter of time before everything begins to fall into place.
“They are all very good players and they have the potential to be a very good volleyball team,” Daughenbaugh said. “They could be a great team.
“One day, I think we’re gonna wake up and it’s just gonna click.”
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Anzar’s next scheduled match is at home to Stevenson on Thursday night. Match time is 6 p.m.
