Volleyball: Lady M's have ingredients, looking for right recipe

In each of the past two seasons, a veteran Marcus volleyball team marched to the Region I Tournament, reaching the semifinals and finals, respectively.

This season, however, marks a bit of a rebuilding year as the Lady Marauders return just six players with varsity experience.

In particular, Marcus is adjusting after graduating both of its first team all-district setters in Mallori Sando and Sarah Hula, who had each been setting for the Lady Marauders for at least three seasons.

"So far, the girls have been playing very hard and trying to learn," said Cristie Liles, Marcus coach. "But right now, we're still trying to figure out what is going to work best for us. We're trying to figure out our rotation and how our styles and talents mesh with each other. For the last two or three years, we really haven't had much movement. It's pretty much been we've lost one or two players and replaced them with one or two players. This is the first time in three years we've had to make a lot adjustments with graduating seven key players."

In addition to figuring out who is deserving of playing time, there is also an adjustment period.

"The biggest thing is not only figuring out what we want to do, but for the girls to find the right chemistry on the court," Liles said. "They have to get used to the system and where they are playing, but also get used to each other and finding chemistry on the court. We'll see how it goes in the preseason and the girls need to be patient. They can't get antsy because we aren't as far along as we have been in the past. You can see it's a little frustrating for some of the players not to be doing as well at this point of the season as the last few years."

While Marcus is making transitions, one area that remains somewhat stable is the front line.

Returners for the Lady Marauders include senior Lauren Douglass (the reigning 8-5A Offensive MVP and Mississippi commit), senior Liz Fortado (first team and Arkansas commit), senior Rachel Hampton (Arkansas Tech), junior Regan McGuire (Blocker of the Year) and senior Kelsey Pry.

"We should have a very strong offense," Liles said. "We have some big-time hitters and they can really connect, especially when we get in a good rhythm."

Other contributors up front include junior middle blocker Michelle Toro, junior right side Madi Ashmore and senior outside hitter Madison Cartwright.

"Michelle has been playing very well early," Liles added. "And Kelsey has really been stepping up and showing what she can do in practice. She's taken the advice we gave her after last season and has really improved during the spring and summer and has learned how to implement some different things."

But while the Lady Marauders are powerful on the front line, much of the success will be determined by how easily they are able to get the ball.

"We had Mallori and Lindsay to distribute the ball the past few years," Liles said. "They were our prime setters and knew exactly who to get the ball to and where they liked it. Then they were able to make a good pass. Now we really have to work on our passing and our rhythm. We have to know who to set and when to set them and that's something that we'll have to get more consistent with in practice."

Setters this season include senior Brittany Bernstein, who was on varsity last season but will see an increased role, as well as junior Mattie Rainwater and sophomore Sam Sales.

"They've been doing well," Liles said, "but we're looking for more rhythm. You can practice all you want but it's really something you have to learn in real matches on the court."

Senior Lindsay Sales, meanwhile, returns at libero and will be supported by junior defensive specialist Kelsee Vandiver and senior Jessica Shaw.

"They've been doing pretty well defensively," Liles said. "They've given great efforts and are getting to a lot of balls. We still have some work to do with our blocking, though. We've had a few mistakes, but overall it's coming along. The key, just like everything else, is to be patient. We know it's going to be good, but we have to give it time to develop."

The pre-district tournaments are a critical time for Marcus to continue to develop on the court and with chemistry as they seek to find an identity. In particular because there will be no off-nights when District 8-5A play begins.

The district appears to be strong from top-to-bottom and features the reigning state champ in Hebron.

"It's going to be tough," Liles said. "I really feel like all of the teams have a chance to make the playoffs. Hebron just won state, and even though they graduated some great players, they're always going to be tough. Flower Mound is looking really good and Lewisville has really improved."

Liles added that Plano West is a contender to win district, while Plano Senior, Plane East and Allen should all be improved with more experienced squads.

"It's going to come down to who is on each night because all of the teams are good enough to beat each other," Liles said. "There is a lot of talent. It should be great for the spectators to see good volleyball and to see all of us coaches age a lot more.

"I know one thing, the district is going to do a great job of getting the teams that make the playoffs ready for them."

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