THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 29, 1995 TAG: 9510280105
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 28 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 98 lines
THREE YEARS AGO, Claire Le Blanc looked across the gym and saw an enthusiastic but inexperienced group of freshmen. The Cox volleyball coach was as new to coaching the sport as the girls were to playing.
Now, those freshmen are experienced juniors with perhaps the best defense in the Beach District. They exploded onto the title scene this season, going 10-0 before falling to perennial powerhouse Salem.
The Falcons closed the regular season at 15-3 and tied for first with Salem and Kempsville. Le Blanc credits the turnaround to a lot of growth - for both herself and her players.
``We have nine (players who started as freshmen),'' Le Blanc said. ``They are the nucleus of the team. That's what's been fun for them. We've gotten better with them. I think that's why we've been so successful this year.''
Over the past three years, Le Blanc has watched the girls bond on and off the court. The players plan dinners, sleepovers and even a camping trip for the whole team - including the coach.
All this, coupled with a strong desire to be truly competitive, has forged a deep friendship between the coach and her players. Although coaches always talk of having the respect of a player, Le Blanc turns the tables.
``I know these girls pretty well,'' she said after practice Wednesday. ``A lot of them play basketball for me. I've taught over half these kids, so you sort of understand who they are as people and as athletes.
``I don't think there are too many coaches who can say they totally, completely trust the kids on the team. That makes it nice because I really like them as people.''
This mutual respect has created the basis for a winning program. Le Blanc admits she was pleasantly surprised by the Falcons' season. She is not alone.
``At first, I was surprised,'' said junior hitter Allison Foy. ``It's a lot different than it was our first year. I think that was just a building year.''
Le Blanc emphasizes the Falcons improved so much over the past season because the players' desire to win pushed them during the offseason.
``I knew they wanted to be good and I knew they devoted more time in the offseason to being good,'' Le Blanc said. ``That's made a world of difference. I didn't realize how much they had improved until I saw them together on the court.''
That improvement earned the Falcons a piece of the regular-season title. Cox defeated Kempsville 7-15, 15-13, 15-8 Thursday night to clinch the tie.
In the Beach District, a three-way tie is broken by a head-to-head comparison, power rating system and, finally, a coin toss. Head-to-head comparison ranks Salem, which went 2-0 against Cox and 1-1 against Kempsville, first and Kempsville, 1-1 against each opponent, second.
Normally, the regular-season champion and tournament champion advance to the Eastern Region playoffs. This year, the tournament winner champion and runner-up will continue competition.
Setter Katherine Dunford said the Falcons are ready for the grueling format that will determine which team advances to the Eastern Region tournament.
``I'm confident,'' she said. ``Our team is very confident. We should do well. We have great teamwork and chemistry.'
The main obstacles for Cox will again be Salem and Kempsville. Salem assaulted opponents with the double threat of Jenny Harmon and Misty Colebank.
``The thing Salem does better than anyone else is get the ball to their setter,'' Le Blanc said. ``So, to beat them we have to be on offense more than defense.''
Now, the Falcons are looking to avenge the losses and win their first title.
``Everybody has to have their head in the game. Our serves have got to be in and our back row has got to be there to take the hits,'' senior captain Joan Caffrey said.
Le Blanc agreed. She also thinks the team with the least unforced errors will win the title.
``They know what they have to do,'' she said. ``I think there are five teams that have a chance to win the tournament.''
Tallwood has been the spoiler all season, upsetting First Colonial and challenging Salem, Kempsville and Cox late in the year. First Colonial brings Alija Pittenger, one of the most powerful hitters in the district, to the net.
The tournament begins Monday at 5 p.m. at Tallwood with the higher seed considered to be the home team. No. 4 First Colonial plays No. 5 Tallwood and No. 3 Cox meets No. 6 Princess Anne. Salem, which went 2-0 against Cox and split with Kemspville, took the top seed and Kempsville (1-1 against both) is second.
In boys action, Tallwood, Cox and First Colonial have been strong all season. Top-ranked Tallwood covers the court well, allowing setter Eric McDevitt ample opportunity to feed Kevin Jones and Jacob Griffon.
By virtue of winning the regular season title, Tallwood (17-1) earned an automatic berth to the regional tournament.
Tallwood and Cox have byes until Thursday. Tuesday's action showcases Kempsville against Kellam, tied at No. 4, at 5, followed by No. 3 First Colonial, powered by first-year player senior Scott Schneider, and No. 6 Green Run.
Action continues Wednesday with championships slated for Saturday night at Tallwood. Tickets are $4, adults; $2, children. by CNB