Lady Tigers open against Skyview

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

The Mountain Home Lady Tigers open their volleyball season this week on the road, traveling to Skyview on Thursday night, and competing in the Kuna Classic at Kuna on Friday and Saturday.

Second-year Lady Tiger volleyball coach Sarah DeVore was fairly pleased with this year's turnout for volleyball at the high school.

"Of course we'd always like to see more girls out. The JV numbers were a little lower than we'd hoped, but overall, the numbers are pretty consistent, so we're looking forward to working with the girls."

Coach DeVore's Lady Tigers made giant strides during the season last year, getting an upset win over Emmett at the district tourney to finish 3-14 overall.

Coach DeVore would like to see her Lady Tigers continue this year where they left off last year.

"Definitely, and there hasn't been a day go by when I haven't looked back to that district tournament and the improvements we made and really thought that these girls peaked right there at district.

"I think that was something that was huge for this program, to see in competition when it really mattered, and I hope that's something the girls from last season hang on to for this season and continue to push forward with that success that wasn't expected, at least from our competitors looking at us."

DeVore lost seven seniors from last year's squad, and will build this year's squad around the three girls returning from last year's squad.

"We have three girls returning, which are key positions to have returning for us. Brandie Riggs is our setter, and she's just getting more and more experience and confidence, and that position is huge for us, because the setter position is one of the hardest to get down.

"Dani Dean, she's played year-around, and she's just improved her all-around game and is looking amazing, and Sammy Dodge will be a great presence for us in the middle. That's something I thought last year at district -- we needed the blocking and defense, and that's something that Sammy Dodge will add for us.

"Those are three huge spots returning for us, and with the girls coming up from the junior level are a great group of girls, so we're looking forward to the season."

The Lady Tigers open their volleyball season with a conference match at Skyview tomorrow night, and compete in the Kuna Classic Friday and Saturday at Kuna.

"We start off with probably the toughest opponent in the conference with Skyview, and I think Kuna is going to be right up there with them, so it's an interesting way to start the season, but a great way, as it will be a pretty good indicator right off the bat as to where we are.

"We've never done the Kuna tournament, but it's early in the season and will allow us to do some things with the lineup early on, so that'll be good."