With the start of volleyball season quickly approaching, the Waldron Sr Lady Bulldogs coupled with coaches Hannah Scantling and Bailey Moore, are ready to strike. Playing a big role for the Volley Dogs are returning seniors, Molly Richmond and Bianca Hinojosa along with six returning juniors and six returning sophomores. “We have had several players step up for us this year,” explained Coach Bailey Moore. “Our seniors will be big for us, undoubtedly. Only having two means they will have a lot of weight on their shoulders but we have full faith in them. They are calm leaders and work hard for us every day.”
The Lady Bulldogs also have several girls taking on new roles this year as well. “We lost five starters last year so it has been a bit of a puzzle to fill in gaps. Jasmine Nelson has stepped up to set and has taken on the roll head on. Peyton Boyd has stepped up and learned to set but has also learned to play all three front row positions to be beneficial to us wherever needed. After losing our libero, Kylee Day and Kylie Broomfield have worked hard to strengthen our back row. Sophomore Kyleigh Cook has been training as a middle and has really taken on the role with great force. Our small team is full of heart and great attitudes and it’s hard to just name a few that we think will shine because, with their work ethic, there is no limit!”
Although losing such a big portion of their team last year has left the Lady Bulldogs in a rebuilding phase, they don’t plan to stay in that phase for long. “We are really expecting to see great growth this season. Our girls are an awesome group with great attitudes and we have such high expectations for their growth because of that. We are expecting to finish the season much stronger in our new roles.”
“Our biggest strength would probably have to be the team atmosphere. Our girls work so hard and have a “Don’t give up attitude”. They grow every practice because they just won’t quit. I think that will give them the ability to really surprise some teams that count us out. Our weakness though would have to be a lack of knowledge in big positions. Since we had to replace several starters and put people in new positions, we are learning as we go.”
With their first game only eight days away, there is much excitement surrounding the season. “The game that we are anticipating the most would have to be the Booneville game. It is always a tough fought game and a rivalry game at that. Last year we beat them to make it to State so that always brings out the competitive side of rivals!”
