Archives > Sports > Schools
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Volleyball: Marcus has size to compete
BY JUSTIN THOMAS Staff writer
Throughout her tenure at Marcus, Christie Liles and the Lady Marauders have prided themselves on being a defensive team.
But in 2009, the team may finally have the size they lacked in the past, making Marcus a team to look out for.
“We are usually known for our defense, because that was the only option for us to be successful,” Liles said. “But this year I think our strength will be our offense. We are big and young and it should be very exciting. We finally have the height to go with our back row.”
However, with the height, also comes a lack of experience.
“We are very young,” Liles said. “We only have one senior. But a lot of them that don’t have varsity experience have experience playing club volleyball at a high level.”
Leading the way at middle blocker is 5-foot-11 Haley Neisler, a starter last season.
“[Neisler] is really coming on and has even more confidence,” Liles said.
Sophomore Lauren Douglass, 6-foot-1, will also play at middle blocker.
“[Douglass] is another player that has a better understanding of what she needs to do because of her varsity experience last season,” Liles said. “She and [Neisler] are both really coming on and gaining confidence.”
Marcus’ Mary Koehler, who Liles called the team’s most consistent all-around player, will start at outside hitter.
Opposite Koehler, playing right side, is Liz Fortado, another Lady Marauders player that stands tall (6-foot-2 to be exact).
“She’s just a big lefty and her blocking is just ridiculous,” Liles said of Fortado. “She’s a player we will try to match up with the best hitter on the other team. She also really understands her role.”
Also contributing at outside hitter will be Katie Neisler, Haley’s sister, who is playing in her first season on varsity.
“She can really play any position for us,” Liles said of the younger Neisler. “She’s fantastic on the back row and is one of our best passers.”
Another strength for Marcus could come at setter, where Mallori Sando and Sarah Jula will play. Jula is in her first varsity season, while Sando brings more experience.
“They are both great setters because they are so eager to get our hitters the ball,” Liles said. “They take control of the offense and really work hard for the hitters. They really take the responsibility when a kill isn’t made.”
Liles added that Sando and Jula exemplify how team-oriented the Lady Marauders are.
But nothing will come easy in the highly competitive District 6-5A.
“It’s a crazy district,” Liles said. “Last year, three teams tied for first. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was four teams this season. Hebron and Coppell have a lot of experience, (Southlake) Carroll has a lot of size and Lewisville and Flower Mound are always in the mix.”
Marcus got its season underway Tuesday, sweeping Arlington, 25-16, 25-16, 25-9. Thursday, the team was swept by three-time defending state champions Amarillo, 25-19, 25-13, 25-17.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Flower Mound Marcus «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
