Clovers looking for another sectional

Friday, August 17, 2007
Members of the 2007 Cloverdale volleyball team include (front, from left) Tatiana Camacho, Shanna Schmutte, Daine Pina, Breegan Andersen, Kayla Bush, (second) Samantha Rightmyer, Stacia Shepherd, Holly McCammon, Samantha Williams, Cheyenne Kidder, Martika Byrd, Mariah Speedy, (third) Assistant Coach Jill Cummings-Schreiber, Kaileigh Sparks, Maria Skiles, Jennifer Wiley, Erica Lotz, Allie Franklin, Kayla Shepherd, Coach Kathy Moore, (back), Whitney Bond, Kristin McCammon, Kristen Schroer, Elizabeth Cheatham, Alesha Evans and Ashley Koosman.

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale volleyball team returns from a sectional championship in 2006, knowing they accomplished something last year, but also realizing it is in the past. The Clovers graduated five seniors and are excited by the promise of a new year.

"Last year's over with," Coach Kathy Moore said. "You have to move on."

Moore's squad has moved on, fielding a team with its own set of strength -- lots of depth and versatility.

"I have 12 kids who are going to play this year," Moore said.

Among the upperclassmen, the four seniors and one junior are returning lettermen. The rest of the juniors all have some varsity experience.

More importantly, though, the varsity players can play multiple positions.

"The kids can play back row and front row," Moore said. "This year I can do a lot of lineup changes and feel anyone can step up."

The Clovers will need to play its strengths after realignment brought Covenant Christians and Speedway into their sectional.

"Our sectional's going to be tougher with Speedway coming in," Moore said.

Another change for the Clovers has been the departure of Assistant Coach Heather Hughes, who Moore will "miss greatly." But she has been replaced by Jill Cummings-Schreiber.

"I think she'll be a very good assistant coach," Moore said.

Another key in leadership will also obviously be the Clovers' senior class.

"I have four seniors this year who are going to step up and be leaders," the coach said.

Cloverdale opened against perennial power Cascade last night. Moore knew playing Cascade coach Celina Clements' team would be a good measure of how the Clovers are doing.

"She's a good coach and she's going to have those kids ready to play," Moore said.

Most of all, the Clovers want to be ready come the end of the season, so they can defend the sectional title.

"We have that '06 up there (on a banner in the gym) that we are very proud of," said Moore. "We're going to try very hard to add an '07."

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