The Skaneateles volleyball team is used to being toward the top of the standings. They just aren't used to getting there this way.
Last year, the Lakers relied on all-state setter Corinna Doctor, who was lost to graduation.
Problem? Not for this squad.
“It's definitely an adjustment,” Lakers coach Doreen Doctor said. “A lot of times they did depend on her a lot. This year they realized they needed to pick up some slack and do more things. It's helped us work together. Everyone knows they have to put a little more effort into everything.”
The Lakers are 7-1 overall, and 6-1 in the league. Their only loss came to undefeated Marcellus in four sets. But they'll get a chance to exact revenge Tuesday, when they host the Mustangs (8-0) in a battle for OHSL Liberty League supremacy.
They've done it with a balanced attack - one that includes a roster that is half seniors. And, they've done it in the midst of frequent lineup changes.
Problem? Not here.
Brittany Bird, a senior captain and outside hitter for the Lakers has moved to setter, and excelled there as well.
“I'm very proud of the way she's handled it,” Doctor said. “Sometimes they don't want to leave their spot, but she was very willing to do what she has to do. She's always been a hitter for us, and it's obviously her favorite spot.”
But Bird's move left a hole on the right side.
“We lost a little bit of offense and attacking potential,” Doctor said. “When we lose that, someone has to pick up the slack.”
Problem? Still no.
Emily Wood, the only freshman on the roster, has been holding down the right side where Bird once was.
“She's a quick learner and very intense,” Doctor said. “She really stepped forward.”
She definitely stepped forward against CBA. During the match on Dec. 21, Wood recorded four blocks - her first four blocks of the season.
Meanwhile, Anna Leiss, another senior captain, and junior Krissy Ryan have also stepped up their game.
“(Anna's) gotten a little tougher,” Doctor said of the middle hitter. “She realized she needs to be tougher at the net. ”(Krissy) realizes she's got to put the ball down more. We don't have that third hitter up front.“
The only real problem on this team has been continuity. Because of all the changes, the season has been emotionally tough. And that, Doctor said, can throw off the physical rhythm of the season. But things are beginning to settle.
“We're just out to have fun playing, and not worry about more changes” Doctor said of her second-half goals.
Problem? It could be for Marcellus.
Problem? Not for this squad.
“It's definitely an adjustment,” Lakers coach Doreen Doctor said. “A lot of times they did depend on her a lot. This year they realized they needed to pick up some slack and do more things. It's helped us work together. Everyone knows they have to put a little more effort into everything.”
The Lakers are 7-1 overall, and 6-1 in the league. Their only loss came to undefeated Marcellus in four sets. But they'll get a chance to exact revenge Tuesday, when they host the Mustangs (8-0) in a battle for OHSL Liberty League supremacy.
They've done it with a balanced attack - one that includes a roster that is half seniors. And, they've done it in the midst of frequent lineup changes.
Problem? Not here.
Brittany Bird, a senior captain and outside hitter for the Lakers has moved to setter, and excelled there as well.
“I'm very proud of the way she's handled it,” Doctor said. “Sometimes they don't want to leave their spot, but she was very willing to do what she has to do. She's always been a hitter for us, and it's obviously her favorite spot.”
But Bird's move left a hole on the right side.
“We lost a little bit of offense and attacking potential,” Doctor said. “When we lose that, someone has to pick up the slack.”
Problem? Still no.
Emily Wood, the only freshman on the roster, has been holding down the right side where Bird once was.
“She's a quick learner and very intense,” Doctor said. “She really stepped forward.”
She definitely stepped forward against CBA. During the match on Dec. 21, Wood recorded four blocks - her first four blocks of the season.
Meanwhile, Anna Leiss, another senior captain, and junior Krissy Ryan have also stepped up their game.
“(Anna's) gotten a little tougher,” Doctor said of the middle hitter. “She realized she needs to be tougher at the net. ”(Krissy) realizes she's got to put the ball down more. We don't have that third hitter up front.“
The only real problem on this team has been continuity. Because of all the changes, the season has been emotionally tough. And that, Doctor said, can throw off the physical rhythm of the season. But things are beginning to settle.
“We're just out to have fun playing, and not worry about more changes” Doctor said of her second-half goals.
Problem? It could be for Marcellus.
The Citizens' Say
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