Orland facing tall order

With just two seniors returning from last year's 13-11 (6-4 Butte View League) squad, the ladies of Troy are going to be challenged to compete against taller and more experienced teams in a very competitive BVL season.

While Orland is experiencing shortcomings in the height department, coach Miranda Coughlin is stressing that volleyball is a multi-faceted game.

"We aren't a very big team," she admitted of the Lady Trojans, which count 5'8 Layela Ealy and Jessica Miccio as its tallest players, "so we've been working hard on learning how to cover the court and adjust to the bigger hitters we're going to face."

'We've also been working on being an aggressive serving team," she added. "I'm trying to help the girls realize that these two aspects of the game are just as important as being a strong hitting team."

Jessica Bonesio, one of last season's captains and a setter, will be called upon once again to serve as a leader both on and off the court.

"I am definitely going to look for senior leadership out of Jessica. She got a lot of court time as a junior last year, and I'm hoping that experience is going to carry over into this season," the coach said, adding, "I will also look for my two other seniors (Michelle Shelden and Kayla Ealy) to lead the team along with Jessica."

One newcomer to look out for is sophomore Makayla James.

"I see a lot of potential in Makayla, and last weekend when we played in the Durham High Jamboree, she proved that she is ready to play at the varsity level," Coughlin remarked. "She really understand the game, and although she only stands 5'2, she plays like a 5'10 outside hitter. She has a lot of heart and hustle, and I'm really looking forward to watching her grow as an athlete."

The Lady Trojans may experience some growing pains, but it's all about helping the young talent develop.

"We are still working on some of the basics that come along with varsity volleyball. The team is realizing that it's a faster game and there is no time for just standing around," Coughlin explained.

Also expected to make important contributions to the Trojans success are juniors Sarah Gomes (weak-side hitter/setter), Jessica Miccio (middle blocker), Nohely Ramirez (outside hitter) and defensive specialists Liz Malagon, Bailey Moss, Becky Pendergrass and Marina Raigoza.

Coughlin's coaching goal is simple, given that the young squad will be thrown into a BVL mix that includes the likes of Sutter, Gridley and Wheatland. "This year, like every other year, my goal is to see the girls improve each week, and so far they have done just that. Our goal is to be competitive night in and night out, and at the end of the season be in a position to make the playoffs for the second year in a row."

Contact Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.