THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509180308
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 102 lines
In the Eastern District, girls volleyball is moving into its second season of existence.
Across the district, the teams have spent the early fall evaluating what went right or wrong last year and how to adapt.
``I think there's going to be teams that have figured out their strengths and weaknesses from last year and have been working to prepare themselves better for this year,'' Lake Taylor coach Sherry Langford said.
All of the coaches are expecting tougher competition when they take the court.
Defending district champion Maury and runner-up Granby both look strong, but Booker T. Washington could easily be in the running for the title.
Norview and Lake Taylor have fortified their hitting games and could be troublesome to opponents.
Granby appears to have a slight edge over Maury. The Comets return two first-team and one honorable mention all-district performers. Senior setter Jessica Koch centers the Comets' fast-paced attack, with outside hitter Tanya Jones and back Natalie Weatherburn adding experience for a potentially deadly combination. Coach Joanie Murphy has added a solid core of hitters and backs for tireless depth on the squad.
``It's pretty even,'' Murphy said of the district competition. ``With this being the second year, most everybody could be a top contender.''
At Maury, coach Margaret Carlson eyes Granby as the main roadblock in the Commodores' quest for a second undefeated season. Her roster suggests the validity of that goal. Setter Rachel Rascti, the 1994 district player of the year, returns for her final season. Wherever she sets the ball, a powerful hitter awaits. Elmer Rojas, Richel Valdez and Paige Griffin work to continue their undefeated streak from the outside hitter slot. Oksana Boutina, a junior middle hitter from Russia, joins the fray.
Four Bookers look to rally their 4-4 record into a winning season. Jennell Holloman, a 1994 first-team all-district outside hitter, leads the attack. Six newcomers spark Booker T. Washington's attempt to break into the district lead.
The title run could include Norview and Lake Taylor. Although Norview has lost half its team from last season, coach Danny Dail is confident the Pilots can recover.
``We have a lot of three-hit balls,'' Dail said. ``That's a vast improvement. We'll play with anybody.''
Langford views sophomore hitter Kristen Collier as the heart of the Titans. After pacing a 1-7 outing in their debut season, Lake Taylor is looking for better things.
``She displays great leadership,'' Langford said of Collier. ``I think she's strong overall. She's a consistent server.''
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON Coach: Bermina McClenny.
Last season's record: 4-4.
Returning starters: Jennell Holloman, Sr., outside hitter; Jill Layug, Jr., middle hitter; Raquita Washington, Jr., setter; Karen Johnson, Sr., outside hitter.
Top newcomers: April Hicks, Sr.; Leha Byrd, Jr.; Ruth O'Bryan, Fr.
Outlook: ``Our focus is to prepare for one game at a time,'' McClenny said.
GRANBY Coach: Joanie Murphy.
Last season's record: 5-3, second in district.
Returning starters: Jessica Koch, Sr., setter; Tanya Jones, Sr., outside hitter; Natalie Weatherburn, Sr., back.
Top newcomers: Claudia Canestrano, Jr., setter; Wynter Edwards, Sr., back; Sarah Bolick, So., back.
Outlook: ``If we can serve consistently and serve-receive, then we'll do well,'' Murphy said.
LAKE TAYLOR Coach: Sherry Langford.
Last season's record: 1-7.
Returning starters: Shannon Jones, So., hitter; Kristen Collier, So., hitter; Nicole Raney, Sr.; Nicole Derby, So., hitter; Jane Cabales, So., setter; Leilani Antolin, Sr., back row specialist.
Top newcomers: Jennifer Arruda, So., setter; Toshiko Okada, Sr., all-around.
Outlook: ``I'm excited,'' Langford said. ``This is my first year to coach Lake Taylor. The girls have really good attitudes. We're working on the fundamentals in practice and they've really been devoting time to it. We're working on motivation as well. I think they feel more confident as to their passing and overall game.''
MAURY Coach: Margaret Carlson.
Last season's record: 8-0, district champions.
Returning starters: Rachel Rascti, Sr., setter; Elmer Rojas, Sr., outside hitter; Richel Valdez, Jr., outside hitter; Paige Griffin, Sr., outside hitter.
Top newcomer: Oksana Boutina, Jr., middle hitter.
Outlook: ``I think they're coming along pretty fast,'' Carlson said. ``I'm hoping we can have another undefeated season.''
NORVIEW Coach: Danny Dail.
Last season's record: 3-5.
Returning starters: Kim Fair, So., hitter; Shana Thompson, Jr., setter; Joyce Vitug, Sr., middle back; Paula West, Sr., setter.
Top newcomers: Lynn Prindle, So.; Barbara Boatwright, Fr., hitter.
Outlook: ``We've lost about half of our team from last year,'' Dail said. ``We have a lot of newcomers, which is really good. We're looking forward to this year.'' ILLUSTRATION: File photo by JIM WALKER
Senior setter Jessica Koch is leading Granby's fast-paced attack.
by CNB