Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
Freeland volleyball coach Penny Cook feels the strong preseason tournament schedule the Falcons faced early this season will only make the team better at tournament time.
Although she thought the team would be good with so many major contributors from last year’s team returning, she is pleased with the unity the team has worked to nurture, while being highly impressed with the abilities that the returners have.
“We really didn’t take long to get to the same level we finished the season with and now are working to develop even greater skills and consistency,” Cook said.
“We are doing a nice job playing with the high-caliber teams at tough tournaments that we have participated in. We are serving well and attacking the ball rather than giving it up easily to the opponent so then can attack it at us. We still need to work on our court communication, passing, and defense. We are a fierce offensive team, but we need to pass the ball more accurately so that we can take full advantage of our hitting strength.”
Cook said that despite some tough early-season losses, the girls are continuing to improve every time they hit the court.
“We are coming up with some big wins and some disappointing losses,” she said.
“All of these early season challenges will make us better just by competing against teams that are as good or better than us. As long as we stay focused and don’t get discouraged, these experiences will make us stronger for when it counts most; conference play and the post-season tournaments.
Freeland is led by junior Tori Jankoska, a second year varsity and Tri Valley Conference Central all-conference player. As of press time, she was leading the team in kills and digs and has worked hard to serve up an effective jump serve.
Senior Shelby Niedzwiecki, third year varsity and 2010 all-conference player, continues to attack the ball and play one of Freeland’s three primary passes at a high level. Meanwhile, Haylee Beythan and Kara Kaufmann have had to share duties as setters, because senior starting setter, Debra Chinevere, went out with a knee injury.
“They had done an outstanding job placing the ball where our hitters can show their athleticism to attack the ball,” Cook said.
“Senior Kinsley Formsma has taken the leadership role, both emotionally and vocally, on the court as a defensive specialist/libero. Our right side blockers, Abbye Wenzell and Marissa Rogers, have done a nice job stopping balls from crossing the net and being an attack threat from their side of the court. The big under-the-radar players are our sophomores, Ashley Youngstrom and Madison Zimmerman. They are doing a good job in the middle while still gaining confidence to try new things and see success when they do. We have also had to count on a freshman, Taryn Taugher, at the outside to fill shoes occasionally, and she has done a nice job, particularly in passing.”
Cook believes the league is looking like Alma, Hemlock, and Swan Valley are the three teams the Falcons need to pay close attention to and respect in conference play. However, Cook has seen Bullock Creek, and she feels like they should be added to the list of teams to be well prepared for.
“They are winning many matches and looked tenacious on defense,” she said. “This type of defense makes our attackers frustrated. Anything is possible at the top of our conference.”