THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 12, 1995 TAG: 9511110165
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 28 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
JENNY HARMON does it all.
The slight but powerful outside hitter is a menacing factor on the Salem volleyball team. Any questions about her dominance were silenced when Harmon orchestrated the Sun Devils' comeback against previously-undefeated Western Branch in the Eastern Region tournament last Tuesday night.
Harmon hammered 11 kills and seven solo blocks as the Sun Devils rallied from a 13-8 deficit in the second game to win 15-3, 15-13.
Against Indian River in the finals, Harmon posted six kills and two blocks as the Sun Devils won the region 15-10, 15-10. The Sun Devils (20-3) are now preparing for their first appearance in the state tournament.
When volleyball season ends, Harmon plays on the varsity basketball and softball teams. In her spare time, she squeezes in an additional eight months of Junior Olympic volleyball competition.
``I live for sports,'' Harmon said. ``I love it. I couldn't sit at home and do nothing. I would get so bored over the summer. I love playing three different sports year-round.''
Harmon credits her quickly increasing volleyball skill level to her Junior Olympic experience. Harmon, 16, opted to compete in 18-and-under division instead of the 16-and-under. She is the only Salem player who competed at the top level.
``The teams are composed of players from all over the area, so it's a higher level of competition,'' she said. ``In the summer I work really hard in the weight room to get muscles, I guess. And it's helped me with my hitting and the competition really helped me over the past year.''
She returned to high school play with a cast of young Salem players. The sophomore-laden Sun Devils were expected to be a district power and lived up to the rating. They completed the regular season in a three-way tie for the Beach District title, then won the tournament.
``I think for one we wanted to win the Beach District,'' Harmon said of her goals this season. ``Last year we had six freshmen, so this year we wanted to play as a team and do things together. We've done that and I think that's why we won the district.''
Harmon has been a crucial factor in Salem's success. During the regular season, she powered 129 kills for a .378 kill rate and boasted a 90 percent service accuracy with 24 aces. She added 22 solo blocks. In the postseason, Harmon has 42 kills and a 97 service percentage with 10 aces and 21 solo blocks.
Harmon embarked on her career when she was in eighth grade. A student at a local Catholic school, she turned recess fun into scholarship potential.
``I used to play in recess,'' Harmon said. ``I liked it there and I decided to play rec league. I played at Kempsville and I really enjoyed it. I heard about Junior Olympics and started playing and I just fell in love with it.''
Salem coach Owen Dixon, who also works in the Junior Olympic program, says Harmon is now valid scholarship material.
``She has the right attitude, coachability and character,'' Dixon said. ``She's a clean kid.''
Although opponents focus on Harmon's game and trying to stop her, she is not fazed.
``I just go out there and try my hardest and not really worry about it,'' Harmon said. ``I love being under pressure. I do my best. I love the competition and I know my teammates do as well. I think we work well under pressure. ''
When the pressure of the state tournament ends, Harmon will not waste time reflecting on her season. She will be too busy shuttling between school and basketball and Junior Olympic volleyball practice. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JIM WALKER
During the regular season, Salem High's Jenny Harmon powered 129
kills for a .378 kill rate and boasted a 90 percent service accuracy
with 24 aces. She added 22 solo blocks. She's been even better in
the postseason.
by CNB