Laker spikers look for third straight sectional

JASONVILLE -- The 2009 Shakamak volleyball team members are (from left) Kayla Samm, Amanda Gilbert, Marki Collins, Stacey Durham, Kathleen Gilreath, Kylee Grissom, Jazmine Martin, Lacey Gilbert, Mikayla Crane, Riley Montgomery, Lacy Ashcraft and Holli Moore. (By Travis David/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

Five of the Lakers six starters are back in 2009, including three seniors. Jeri Morin's club should once again be a threat to reckon with in the Tri-River and Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference's as well as the Class A Sectional. They were runner-up to Linton-Stockton in both leagues a year ago.

The two-time defending sectional champs, will turn to sophomore Mikayla Crane to provide the main source of power in the middle of the front row in the absence of Gilbert.

"Mikayla's hitting has been right on target," Morin said. "She went to camp this summer and it's helped her out tremendously. I expect a lot of good things from her."

Senior Amanda Gilbert will be the main player responsible for getting the ball to Crane near the net. The three-time all-conference player has been the main setter for the Lady Lakers each of her first three seasons.

"This will be Amanda's fourth year setting for us," Morin said. "So I expect her to really step up the leadership and continue to run the offense like she has in the past."

Senior Marki Collins, junior Kylee Grissom and sophomore Jazmine Martin will be two of the defensive stars for the Lady Lakers.

"Marki is one of our best defensive players," Morin said. "She had the ability to keep the team alive and motivate the other girls.

"Jazmine is another one of our defensive specialists. She has improved her passing 100 percent along with her sidekick Kylee Grissom. They are going to have some great success in the backrow. They work well together and keep each other in line."

Senior Stacey Durham and junior Holli Moore will join Crane as the main hitters on the team. Both were starters on last year's squad.

"Stacey is another good hitter. She will help out the team and bring some strong offense to the game," Morin said. "Holli's hitting has really improved this season."

Sophomore Riley Montgomery is a seldom used player from last year that is expected to have a bigger role on the team this year, according to Morin.

"Riley will be seeing a lot of playing time in the middle this season," she said. "She has shown great growth and continues to build her confidence."

Other key players for the Lakers will be Senior Kathleen Gilreath, juniors Lacy Ashcraft and Kayla Samm and sophomore Lacey Gilbert.

Each of the last two seasons, the Lady Lakers have had their season come to an end at the hands of the Indianapolis Lutheran Saints in the first round of the regional. Morin feels this year's team can learn not only from those matches but other forms of adversity they have been faced with as well.

"We had to overcome a lot of obstacles last year just to get to the point to be in the position to face a tough Lutheran team," Morin said. "So I think this year's team has the strength to overcome the adversity and set goals and achieve.

"Last year we had a lot of ups and downs, but was still able to bring home a sectional title. So that showed them if you are one, you can succeed even when you think you can't."

One example of the team coming together and playing as one, was in the championship game of the sectional. The Lady Lakers fell behind to North Central two games to none before rallying for the last three games for the title.

"That North Central game went down in my coaching memory book," Morin recalled.

Morin said she can't wait to see what is in store for this year's team.

"I am very excited to get this year started," the eight-year veteran coach said. "I know the girls have loads of talent and it's so rewarding to me to see them grow and achieve goals for themselves. I have 12 great girls that are going to put on our varsity uniform this year."

Volleyball Roster

No. Player Gr.

Head coach: Jeri Morin (seven seasons, 144-73).

Assistant coach: Darla Moore.