Cougars optimistic about new season

Friday, August 17, 2007
North Putnam's Taylor Alles elevates for a spike at a recent practice.

The 2007 volleyball season is looking optimistic for the North Putnam Cougars.

"I think we're looking good," North Putnam coach Michelle Spencer said. "We have a lot of newcomers, but then also a lot of returners. We're learning a lot at the young end but at the high end, everybody on varsity is returning, so that's looks promising.

"The bad part is we only have seven, so we're running a very small varsity squad. We have a lot returning, but not a lot of bench," Spencer added.

The Cougars have four returning seniors in Kayla Green, Kacy Wendling, Ashley Doyle and Tippany Tippin. Also returning for North is Taylor Alles. All of whom the coach beieves will impact the team in a leadership capacity.

"They set the tone for the team. They're intent, they have fun.

"We have a lot of talent. Last year, Taylor Alles was our only all-conference player and she's a junior."

The biggest part of the Cougar game that Spencer believes needs work will have to come from the inside.

"Last year we had some problems mentally as far as finishing games when we were ahead and being able to not get down in between plays," Spencer said. "So that's what we've been focusing on is being able to finish things off, but keep our emotions even for every play."

The Cougars will look to improve upon a two-win season by blending their experience along with the things that make the game what it is. The girls spent their summer preparing for the season and didn't mind getting dirty to make it happen.

"I think the other thing is that we really enjoy playing the sport, we enjoy the fun things about the game, so it make us want to be better. I don't have girls complain because we're working hard. They want to work hard," Spencer said.

"We've been doing conditioning, weight lifting, the whole deal all summer. I don't have older girls that say I'm not going to be here, I don't need to be here. I don't have that. My older girls are my best attenders. I think that's the way it should be. Because it shows the younger girls what they need to do to get better. We've been here working hard, so hopefully it will pay off," Spencer added.

North Putnam will host the Early Bird tournament for varsity only Saturday at 9 a.m.

N.P. volleyball resutls

Cougars fall to O.V.

The North Putnam Cougars lost to Owen Valley Thursday night in three straight games 15-25, 18-25 and 10-25 at home.

Carlye McGaughey had four kills, eight digs and two aces for the Cougars, while Taylor Alles had two kills, nine digs, two aces and two assist blocks. Ashley Doyle added three kills, 11 digs and one assist block, as Logan Doyle recorded two kills, eight digs, two assists and one assist block.

Kacy Wendling contributed one kill, two digs, eight assists and one ace; Kayla Green had two kills, six digs and one ace and while Tippany Tippin had one dig

"We played a very tough Owen Valley team," coach Michelle Spencer said. "Although we didn't play as well as Monday, we found things that we are doing well and things that we have to improve upon. This year we plan to improve from mistakes. So, I think we can take this early loss and help be a better team."

North Putnam will host the Early Bird tournament Saturday at 9 a.m.

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