Keeping their focus during each game will be the key to the success level of the Goodrich varsity volleyball team this season.
Coach Richard Sirna said the Martians have what it takes to win the Genesee Area Conference Red Division, but added they needed to maintain their concentration level during each game.
‘We always have to work on our passing,? he said. ‘We’ll have to live our die by our passing. Defense will be key for us.?
Sirna said the Martians will ‘sorely miss? two recently graduated seniors, Julie Owen and Jessica Morgan, who were proficient at passing the ball to their teammates.
Goodrich went 9-4 in GAC Red Division play last season, losing to Montrose in the GAC tournament. The Martians advanced to their district finals before losing to Flint Powers.
The Martians will have an experienced core this year, with five seniors coming back ? Tara Garman, Alyssa Bertrand, Katie Birch, Sara Sweet and Nancy Van Vlack.
They will be joined on the team by five juniors ? Ally Rob (setter/defensive specialist), Renee Bell (defensive specialist/backside hitter), Brittany Tiedeman (outside hitter/defensive specialist), Ashley Short (outside hitter/defensive specialist) and Heather Coates (middle hitter).
Rounding out the Martians are two sophomores, Alicia Kushuba (middle hitter/outside hitter) and Amanda Skiver (defensive specialist). Sirna said Kushuba is a ‘up-and-coming player,? and Skiver is a ‘defensive player who can go in and out on the back row.?
Sirna said Garman will anchor the Martians from the middle position, with Bertrand setting things up. In addition, he said Bell is ‘an all-around good player who can hit from the backside and the outside.?
Sirna said Birch will be stationed as an outside hitter, while Van Vlack will be put on the right side and Sweet will be ‘an all-around utility player who will get to the ball no matter where it is.?
As far as this year’s goals are concerned, Sirna said the Martians hope to win the GAC Red as well as districts, but knows it will not be an easy task.
‘I think Montrose, LakeVille and Byron will be tough again, along with New Lothrop,? he said. ‘We have to stay focused on our jobs. Mt. Morris will be gunning for us. We have some hurdles to go over. I think it will be nip-and-tuck. I think we can win it all if we stay focused.?