DATE: Thursday, September 11, 1997          TAG: 9709100181

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 11   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JAMES C. BLACK, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   69 lines

GATORS EXPECTED TO TAKE THE TITLE AGAIN THIS YEAR

Although Greenbrier Christian lost nine players in the offseason, the defending champion Gators should reign supreme in Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools boys volleyball this year.

Greenbrier, 17-0 last season, lost two players who were 6-3 and one that was 6-8. However, the performances of brothers Matt and John Backens may make the departures irrelevant.

``They are the main blockers and hitters so we have to rely on them,'' said co-coach Gabe Vogel, whose team has gotten off to a 2-0 start.

Nansemond-Suffolk lost five veterans to other sports and will suit only eight players. Cape Henry had to drop its program this week because of a lack of turnout.

Here's a look at South Hampton Roads TCIS boys volleyball teams:

GREENBRIER CHRISTIAN

Coaches: Kevin Hammond, Gabe Vogel

Last year's record: 17-0 overall, 7-0 TCIS

Top returnees: Andy McGlothlin, Sr., 6-0, setter; Matt Backens, Sr., 5-11, hitter; John Backens, So., 6-0, hitter

Top newcomers: Jon Dorner, 8th grader, 6-2, hitter; J.B. Stovall, Jr., 6-1, blocker/hitter

Outlook: Hammond thinks the loss of depth and height will be offset by the Gators' athleticism.

CATHOLIC

Coach: Chris Hairston

Last year's record: 5-11 overall, 4-3 TCIS

Top returnees: Kenny Balbuena, Sr., 5-10, setter; Mark Love, Jr., 6-3, hitter/blocker; Alan Woods, Sr., 5-11, hitter; Brian Tamborello, , 6-0 hitter

Top newcomers: Dion Deans, So., 6-0, hitter

Outlook: Hairston believes the veterans, strong passing and consistent ball control will make the team more competitive.

NORFOLK COLLEGIATE

Coach: Olga O'Donnell

Last year's record: 5-12 overall, 2-5 TCIS

Top returnees: Chris Moring, Sr., 6-1, setter/hitter; Alan Roughton, So., 6-1, hitter; Tom Jillson, Sr., 6-3, hitter

Top newcomers: Patrick Edwards, So., 5-11, hitter; Brian Boland, Jr., 5-11, setter/hitter

Outlook: The Oaks hope the return of last year's all-conference duo of Moring and Jillson will improve the standings.

NORFOLK CHRISTIAN

Coach: Nancy Rook

Last year's record: 9-6 overall, 6-1 TCIS

Top returnees: Daniel Strickland, Sr., blocker

Top newcomers: Robert Adams, Jr., 5-10, hitter; Tim Anderson, Jr., 5-10, setter/hitter

Outlook: Rook believes the return of four seniors will make the Ambassadors top contenders this year.

NANSEMOND-SUFFOLK

Coach: Beverly Nuckles

Last year's record: 6-13 overall, 3-4 TCIS

Top returnees: Eric Baur, Jr., 6-3, setter/hitter; Hank Leber, Jr, 6-0, setter/hitter; Mason Hoggard, Sr, 5-8, hitter; Scott Lyle, Jr, 5-11 1/2, hitter

Outlook: Lack of depth will be a significant problem as the Saints suit only eight. KEYWORDS: TCIS VOLLEYBALL

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