Before Jackson High School classes were in session, nine girls were creating chemistry — on the volleyball court.
This season, the volleyball players and head coach Amy Riesinger are focusing on teamwork and communication. With only nine girls on the varsity roster, co-captains Ashley Allen and Chelsey Crim said they believe it will be easier to get to know the players and create chemistry.
“I love that we have a smaller team,” Crim said. “It keeps us more tight knit.”
This year’s team has five seniors and four juniors, many of whom have played together for years, Allen said.
Riesinger agreed that the team is focusing on playing as a unit, without any standouts. She said the girls are giving each other more encouragement and respect, and she hopes this element of the game will take them to districts.
The team has made it to districts the past two seasons, and that is the same goal Riesinger has set for this year.
“Most of the time we set our goal at districts,” she said. “Anything else is a bonus.”
For the time being, Riesinger is just concentrating on the present. The Timberwolves played Eastlake High School in its season opener Sept. 2, and they won the match 3-2.
Riesinger said the players have all of the basics, so they have been concentrating on playing well as a team in preparation for the season.
“They have all the skills, now we just need to put it all together,” Riesinger said.
She said the players have been very competitive in practice, and she looks forward to seeing how that competitiveness translates during matches.
The girls have also passed well, but Riesinger is focusing more on improving the team’s blocking.
Riesinger looks to the co-captains to lead the team this season.
“They’re really enthusiastic leaders, which is a great thing,” Riesinger said.
The four juniors have been an excellent addition, she added, and some seniors have stepped up to play new positions to accommodate the strengths of the new players. Senior players include Kacey Kahawaii, Vanessa Pitts and Brianna Rockenstire. The team is rounded out by juniors Katie Sieck, Kajsa Swensen, Jessica Ramback and newcomer Brittany Shaw.
Shaw moved to the area from Oklahoma, so her teammates have spent time showing her the area and making her feel comfortable, which adds to the team unity.
Allen and Crim are hoping that through teamwork and consistency, Jackson will perform well this season.
“As long as I’m consistent, I know I can lead the team by example,” Crim said.
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