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Lady Panthers look for bounce-back season
It was a tough season for the Sheldon Lady Panthers a year ago, as they concluded the 2016 campaign 2-18-1.
The Lady Panthers and first-year head coach Emily Godsey are looking for improved results this season.
“I have high hopes that we will finish the season with a winning record,” said Godsey. “I also expect to see great growth in my girls. We have set high team goals as well as individual goals. I expect great things from these girls.”
The Lady Panthers are comprised of two juniors, eight sophomores and a freshman.
“There is great potential in our players,” said Godsey. “We have been pretty successful unlocking that potential up to this point, so I only see good things from these girls this season and in the future.”
Continued Godsey: “Our strengths will be our ability to work as a team to accomplish goals. We are working on our weaknesses daily at practice. We are working to diminish our weaknesses individually and as a team.
“Staying positive will help our team tremendously in having a good year. If we can continue to have fun and encourage each other — whether we are up 20 points or down 20 points, I consider that a win.”
Godsey said her players have made tremendous strides since last season.
“(Sophomore) Lakin Standley is going to be our rock star libero,” noted Godsey. “She (has) a foundation of skills and, I feel like she has worked very hard to develop those skills. (Sophomore) Meckinize McCartney has also improved from last year. She is a great server and genuinely understands the game.”
Added Godsey: “Both of our juniors this year (Maddysin Million and Kalysta Lewis) are both new to the team. I am seeing leadership skills emerging from them and I expect them to both be excellent assets to the team. Also, sophomore Madyson Bogart had never touched a volleyball before summer open gyms, and she has picked up the game and the skills and is developing nicely into a strong player in all positions.”
Sophomore outside hitter Mahalia Swink is one of the Lady Panthers top returning players.
“She is going to be a force to be reckoned with,” said Godsey. “She has found her groove and is really getting to be a key player for our team. (Sophomore) Nici Hites has also become a killer setter, and will, without a doubt work extra hard to help the team to be successful.”
Lady Panthers roster
Juniors: Kalysta Lewis and Maddisyn Million. Sophomores: Meckinize McCartney, Madyson Bogart, Lakin Standley, Mahalia Swink, Carrie Spencer, Brooklyn O’ Connor, Nici Hites and Hailey Hibbitts. Freshman: Tori McClure.
Season opener
The Lady Panthers opened their season Thursday night at Bronaugh, falling to the Lady Wildcats in two sets, 25-12 and 25-14.
“This was a hard-fought match that ended tilted in the other direction,” said Godsey. “I am proud of the girls and their work, but these games have shown them what we need to work on as individuals and as a team.”
For Sheldon, Swink concluded with seven service-points and a trio of aces, while Hites chipped in a pair of blocks.
Meckinize and Madyson were are star passers,” noted Godsey.