PREP VOLLEYBALL: Charger spikers start Cup quest today

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 11, 2017 5:53 AM

• Print
• Email

By RUDY COGGINS

[email protected]

Coming off its first postseason appearance since 2012, the Wayne Country Day girls' volleyball team enters 2017 with plenty of confidence.

That self-assurance -- disguised as a slight swagger ... maybe -- will get tested this weekend during the Charger Cup.

The four-team, round-robin event starts today with six matches on tap. The Chargers oppose Oakwood at 10 a.m., face Ridgecroft at 1 p.m. and take on University Christian in the nightcap at 5:30 p.m.

All four teams advanced to the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A playoffs last season.

"The Charger Cup is going to have some tough competition, but I am sure the girls are ready to be challenged on the court," WCDS assistant coach Mike Bolechowski said. "The Charger Cup tournament helps us, as a team, to increase our chances for success in the regular season."

WCDS returns nine letter-winners, who each received significant playing time a year ago. Junior outside Jala Holloman, senior middle Hannah Neal, senior Lillian Freeman, sophomore Grayson Jeffreys and senior Kyara Drew provided plenty of offensive -- and strong, consistent -- options in the Chargers' system.

Neal earned all-Coastal Plains Independent 1-A Conference recognition last season, while Freeman drew a nod on the all-CPIC honorable mention roster.

Cate Eagles, a sophomore, has stepped into the setter role after DeKiya Thomas transferred during the offseason. Strickland, once again, is the defensive anchor at libero.

"As a team, the girls have worked hard in the offseason to understand their positions in order to alleviate any misunderstanding of where they should be on the court," Bolechowski said. "(The Cup) will help us find our strengths on the court, but also let us see our weakness so that we can focus on these areas of concern in practice."

Freeman, Neal and Drew have to lead the attack and quickly drop back defensively in transition.

Bolechowski said the team has focused on its passing game.

"Since every play develops with a pass, we will continue to work on ways to improve our form throughout the year," he said. "Without passing, we can't run an effective attack. Thankfully, we have one of the best liberos around and some great defensive specialists that will help us bring home wins during the season."

The Chargers seek four victories -- and the Cup -- this weekend.