One common goal is on the mind of Goodrich volleyball senior captains Alyssa Bertrand and Tara Garman each time they’re on the court ? winning.
That’s the word from Goodrich varsity volleyball coach Richard Sirna.
‘I can’t say enough about both of those seniors,? he said. ‘As captains, they’re both leaders out there on the floor. They want to win every game on the court.?
The two have been instrumental in leading the Martians to a 4-0 start in Genesee Area Conference play this season. However, Sirna said their teammates deserve just as much credit for the team’s success.
‘There are ten other girls that get the ball to Alyssa so she can set it up for Tara,? he said. ‘Our defense has allowed Alyssa and Tara to excel like they have.?
Both players started on the Goodrich varsity as freshman, and began taking up the sport in middle school. In Bertrand’s case, a family influence helped her get started.
‘My mom (Lisa) played it and wanted wanted me to try it, and I’ve stuck with it,? said Bertrand, 17. ‘I’ve grown so much I can’t even begin to explain.?
She also said the team’s game this season against Port Huron Northern stands out as a highlight for her. ‘The team was really amazing that game,? she said.
The Port Huron Northern match, along with a five-game match against Mt. Morris, was also a highlight for Garman, 17, who said she has learned a lot from her predecessors on the Martian team, namely Rebecca Scott and Natalie McCormick.
‘I definitely became more confident since my freshman year, watching the older girls,? she said. ‘I’m more knowledgeable about the game.?
Another thing that stands out about Bertrand and Garman, according to Sirna, is the consistency in their game.
Bertrand, who plays primarily at the setter position, has missed just 11 sets in 1,128 attempts this season, and has dished out 394 assists. She has also made good on 242 of 252 serves (96 percent).
Meanwhile, Garman, a middle hitter, has proved herself an adept passer, making 110 out of 118 passes (93 percent). She also has 173 digs and 62 aces this year, and has an 82 percent success rate in serving.
The latter statistic can be attributed to Garman’s adopting the jump serve this season. Sirna said jump serves are harder for the opposition to return.
‘That’s a mindset that other players on opposing teams have to get over,? he said. ‘It’s a killer if you can get them in there.?