Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 8, 1994 TAG: 9412080019
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
When Blacksburg began its search for a new girls' volleyball coach, the standard criteria of age and experience were tossed out the window.
The Indians tapped one of their own when they hired former player and 1992 Blacksburg graduate Susie Schneider. Schneider, who was on Virginia Tech's team two years, actually played with some of the players she now will coach. She heard about the opening through one of her players' mother.
Initially, the coach and players were worried about how the arrangement would work. Now, from all accounts, Schneider's age is working to her advantage.
``I played and practiced with some of them,'' said Schneider. ``I was afraid the relationship would be confused, but so far it has been everything I could ask for.''
``I think at first I thought it would be kind of weird,'' said Billie Guthrie, who played with Schneider. ``But there has always been a strong sense of seniority here, and I have to listen to her regardless of the relationship.''
Once the Indians step on the floor, age and experience will take a back seat to the bottom line - on-court success, of which the Indians have enjoyed plenty. Schneider inherits a senior class that has captured the New River District crown three times.
The Indians will install a new offense this season.
``We would like to win the district, get to regionals and be peaking at the right time,'' Schneider said.
If the Indians are to fulfill those goals, senior leadership will be critical. Seniors Brook Porter, Lisa Price and Guthrie will have to step up their games.
Guthrie will play setter, Price will be a middle blocker and Porter will be counted on to provide a lot of offense from her outside-hitter position. Junior April Rogers, a returning starter from last year's team, also will be expected to contribute heavily. If the Indians are to repeat as district champions, they will have to hold off the challenge of arch-rival Christiansburg.
The Blue Demons will be led by seniors Maureen Jackson and Allison Amos. Jackson, who will be playing for the fourth season, will anchor the Christiansburg attack from her middle-blocker position.
Carroll County, the third team in the district, faces a rebuilding situation.
Floyd County figures to be the team to beat in the Three Rivers District volleyball race.
Seniors Leigh-Ann Pursifull, Carrie Chaffin and Laura Harman and junior Melissa Cantrell, all of whom were starters on the Buffaloes' state championship basketball team, will be the backbone of the volleyball team.
``I'm excited. We have lots of enthusiasm and talent,'' said Floyd coach April Underwood. ``We should have a good season.''
Auburn, which features four seniors, hopes to challenge the Buffaloes. According to Coach Angela Quesenberry, the Eagles will be a very experienced team and expect to have a good season.
With two honorable-mention all-district performers, Velvet Francis and Gina Claytor, returning from last season's 10-8 squad, Giles also looks to make some noise.
If the Spartans successfully replace all-region setter Holly Litchford, gaining a berth in the regional playoffs is not out of the question. Francis, the team captain, may be called upon to fill those shoes. Heather Wilburn, Tonya Sheet and Kelly Williams also are expected to contribute.
For Radford, this campaign could be a rebuilding one for a team that lost four starters. The Bobcats will look to junior Stephanie Smith and sophomore Charlee Taylor to provide leadership.
Shawsville, also facing a rebuilding season, will count on Jessie Flight and Teresa Sarver. The Shawnees will concentrate on the fundamentals, according to Coach Melissa Downs.
In the Mountain Empire District Narrows figures to contend for the crown with four returning starters and two other players who received substantial playing time. The Green Wave, which will depend on its quickness, looks to Melissa Laurence and Melissa Lucas to lead the way, said coach Erin Burton.
by CNB