THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 15, 1995 TAG: 9509140135
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 21 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 297 lines
WITH A REVAMPED district playoff format and an inaugural regional tournament at stake, Beach District boys and girls volleyball teams are preparing for a tougher season of play.
Last season, four teams made the District playoffs. This year, the title tournament has been expanded to include six teams. The addition of boys volleyball in the Eastern District has also caught the Beach coaches' eyes. This year the boys will compete for a regional championship for the first time.
All of this, along with the natural progression of the third-year sport, has Beach coaches believing this could be the most competitive season yet.
In boys action, five of the top six contenders appears clear. Kempsville is favored to repeat as the district tournament champion, but not without strong battles with Tallwood, First Colonial, Cox, Green Run and Salem. The sixth spot is up for grabs.
Kempsville returns a strong core with middle blocker Scott Rockel, setter Ben Tate, outside hitters Mike Underwoood and Brian Smith and defensive specialist Ryan Barkan. Coach Dan Barrows has added a 6-foot-5 middle blocker from Brazil, Daniel Pinto.
Most of Barrows' players spent the summer with other athletes from across the district playing in the Junior Olympic program.
Tallwood is expected to make a run for the title with six returning lettermen, including first team all-district senior middle hitter Jacob Griffon.
``Our strength is our hitting,'' coach David Early said. ``Of the six, everyone can hit. I've got two great setters and two backup setters.''
First Colonial, last year's tournament runner-up, returns outside hitters Danny Hewitt and Andy Jaeckle and setter Carlos Hibbard.
Green Run and Salem could be spoilers. Although Green Run was only 4-14 last season, a new coach and the expanded tournament could work in the Stallions' favor. Salem is young, but can build around senior powerhouse Chris Pisel.
In girls volleyball, the 1994 District tournament champion Kempsville and runner-up Salem appear poised for a rematch. However, new coaches and new faces could alter the balance early.
At Salem, returning starters Renee Dorko, Jacquelyn Costa, Jenny Harmon, Angela Thomas, Megan Johnson, Bronwyn Blair, Misty Colebank, Patricia Callen and Amanda Zolliecoffer are joined by a pair of strong freshmen in the title quest.
``Salem will be tough,'' coach Owen Dixon said. ``Kempsville has the players, but the change of coaches could affect the team.''
Mary Sue Wimer is taking on the challenge of Kempsville's repeat attempt. Wimer's arsenal includes 1994 first team all-district and second team all-region players Melanie Freeman and Emerald Zemedkin and honorable mention all-district players Sara Horton and Kelly Sisley. Christi Hall, Nicole Boyd and Kristen Hall also return.
First Colonial and Cox could mount surprise attacks. First Colonial coach Harry Pincus is working with a young but strong team. Junior Alija Pittenger could easily be the top player in the district. At Cox, Claire Leblanc has worked to hone an aggressive hitting team that could challenge for the title.
BOYS
BAYSIDE
Coach: Todd Sherman
Last year's record: 12-6
Returning starters: Arturo Gonzalez, 5-foot-10, sr.; Arthur Ebbs, 6-3, sr., David Pessoa, 6-0, jr.
Top newcomers: Neal Turnage, setter, 5-8; Chris Turnage, 5-7; Mike Smith, 5-9
Outlook: ``We have an exciting mix of youth and experience,'' Sherman said. ``Our job is to make sure the two can work to our advantage.''
COX
Coach: Bruce Stewart
Last year's record: 17-1
Returning starters: Adam Dierstein, jr., outside hitter, 6-foot-1; Owen Matter, jr., outside hitter, 5-10; Kevin Riley, sr., middle blocker, 6-3; Dave Rose, sr., 5-9, setter; Josh Suidema, soph., outside hitter, 6-0; Kevin Murphy, jr., middle hitter, 6-0; Eryck Lamagna, jr., middle blocker, 5-10
Top newcomers: Kevin Riley and Kevin Murphy
Outlook: ``We will be very competitive,'' Stewart said. ``We have probably the best passing.''
FIRST COLONIAL
Coach: Mark Lottinville
Last year's record: 14-6, tournament runner-up
Returning starters: Danny Hewitt, sr., outside hitter; Carlos Hibbard, sr., setter; Andy Jaeckle, jr., outside hitter
Top newcomers: Cameron Land, middle hitter, soph.; Scott Schneider, middle hitter, sr.
Outlook: Lottinville's players are not starting the season out-of-practice. Most of his players spent the summer playing in leagues or competing on the Junior Olympic level. Therefore, the players have maintained the conditioning and talent level that allowed them to finish second in the district tournament last season.
``I feel confident we can be in the top six for the tournament,'' Lottinville said. ``If we don't have any injuries and stay healthy. Volleyball has a high turnover rate. Each year you get two or three player changes that can make you a strong team or a weak team.''
GREEN RUN
Coach: Rob Hale
Last year's record: 4-14
Returning starters: Bobby Golf, sr., opposite blocker, 6-2, 190; David Yutzey, sr., outside hitter, 5-6. 140; Darren Zediker, sr., outside hitter, 6-2, 190; William Stein, jr., setter, 5-11, 160; Roy Altherr, sr., middle blocker, 6-3.
Top newcomers: Keith Johnston, jr., opposite blocker/middle blocker; Daniel Mackey, soph., middle blocker; T.J. Taylor, soph, outside hitter.
Outlook: ``I expect us to do better than 4-14,'' Hale said. ``From our two scrimmages, I expect to make the district playoffs. I think we're going to surprise a lot of people.''
KELLAM
Coach: Chuck Burr
Last year's record: 5-5
Returning lettermen: Jeremy Clardy, setter; Andrew Sedaca, back; Jeremy McClendon, back; Chris Cassada, back; Mike Thompson, forward; Jeremy Kent, forward; Nick Arnett, back
Top newcomers: Ben Matthews, fr.; Chris Cuthrell, fr.
Outlook: Kellam coach Burr returns team most valuable player Kent and a strong core to the court. The Knights are looking to improve last year's mark.
KEMPSVILLE
Coach: Dan Barrows
Last year's record: 12-6, district tournament champ
Returning starters: Scott Rockel, jr., middle blocker; Ben Tate, sr., setter; Mike Underwood, sr., outside hitter; Brian Smith, sr., outside hitter, team captain; Ryan Barkan, sr., setter/defensive specialist, team captain
Top newcomers: Daniel Pinto, soph., 6-5, middle blocker
Outlook: ``Most of our returning players played in the winter at the Junior Olympic level,'' Barrows said. ``They have gained good experience and we expect to defend our title as 1994 district champs.''
OCEAN LAKES
Coach: Rob O'Leary
Last year's record: 0-18
Returning starters: Kenneth Caudle, soph., 5-foot-9, setter/outside hitter; Eric Deida, soph., 5-4, setter/back row specialist; Brian Gillespie, soph., 5-8, setter; Mike Salonga, soph., 5-8, outside hitter/middle hitter
Top newcomers: Joey Phillips, sr., 5-10, outside hitter/middle hitter; Chad McAdoo, jr., 5-11, outside hitter/middle hitter; Christian Corpuz, jr., 5-9, setter/outside hitter
Outlook:``I'm looking forward to a better record this year,'' O'Leary said. ``We have nowhere to go but up. I expect to take big steps. We've had good practices and the guys are looking really good. I'll do everything I can to make the team formidable. ''
PRINCESS ANNE
Coach: Russ Cunningham
Last year's record: 5-13
Returning starters: Scott Bland, 5-10 swing hitter; John Peeler, 6-4 middle hitter; Dan Lizette, 6-6 middle hitter; John Robertson, 6-0 power hitter
Top newcomers: Ben Young, 6-1 setter; Andre Corpuz, 5-10 power hitter
Outlook: ``We have a lot of new players,'' Cunningham said. ``We will evaluate the quality of the season by how much we improve.
``We hope to make the playoffs.''
SALEM
Coach: Kirt Schuldt
Last year's record: 3-15
Returning starters: Chris Pisel, sr., setter, hitter, digger, team captain, 6-0, 165; Kevin Robertson, jr., hitter, server, 5-11
Outlook: Schuldt is eyeing this season as a rebuilding year. He lost all but two players to graduation last season. However, his team is practicing hard to mesh quickly.
``We're working hard,'' Schuldt said. ``We have a long road, but a positive attitude. I think we'll be slow starting but hard charging. Every day I see improvement.''
TALLWOOD
Coach: David Early
Last year's record: 14-4
Returning starters: Kevin Jones, jr., setter/outside hitter, 6-5; Eric McDevitt, jr., setter, 5-11; Chuck Beeson, sr., outside hitter, 6-3; Tom Siegler, sr., outside hitter, 6-3; Mac Hall, sr., middle hitter/outside hitter, 6-5; Jacob Griffon, sr., middle hitter/outside hitter, 6-2
Top newcomers: Patrick Rooney, sr., outside hitter, 6-2
Outlook: Tallwood coach David Early and the Lions have set a goal of winning the district so that they can have a shot at the first-ever regional tournament. In order to achieve this goal, Early says the team needs to practice defense and work on their hitting and all-around game.
``The sport has gotten faster,'' Early said. ``Players are getting into the groove and understanding team play. I think all of the teams here are improving.''
GIRLS
BAYSIDE
Coach: Grace Clark
Last year's record: 4-14
Returning starters: Adrianne Oxley; Jaime Jennings, 1994 honorable mention all-district; Michelle Williams, 1994 second team all-district; Charla Schaubliege
Outlook: ``We're working as a team to become competitive, but most of all we want to enjoy the game. I think we're doing that already.''
COX
Coach: Claire Leblanc
Last year's record: 14-6
Returning starters: Katherine Dunford, jr., setter, 5-5; Alison Foy, jr., middle hitter, 5-11; Christi Attinger, jr., outside hitter, 5-7; Shannon Drury, sr., utility player, 5-6
Top newcomers: Tonya Laffkas, sr., outside hitter/middle hitter, 5-9; Karri Attinger, fr., utility player, 5-8
Outlook: ``I think we'll be very competitive,'' Leblanc said. ``We've concentrated on becoming more aggressive hitters and backs. We're solid defensively. We have experience returning on the court, which would work to our advantage. We are a little small, which is a disadvantage, but we're trying to play smarter. We have good team chemistry.''
FIRST COLONIAL
Coach: Harry Pincus
Last year's record: 13-5
Returning starters: Alija Pittenger, jr.; Stacey Smith, sophomore; Kaszia Campos, jr.; Cortenay Munn, sr.; Susan Sidone, soph.
Top newcomers: Heather White, soph., and Jenny Steele, soph.
Outlook: Pincus is working to teach his young team to develop as a unit this season. Pincus returns only one senior and two juniors to his squad.
``Our effort this year is to develop the young players,'' Pincus said. ``If we can do that, then we can look forward to competition in the next two years. It's an open season and all the teams keep getting better.''
GREEN RUN
Coach: Rick Conaway
Last year's record: 7-11
Returning starters: Channie Waites; Julia Powers, sr.; Jeanette Byrd, sr.; Deana Zediaker; Lynelle Barta; each plays all positions
Top newcomers: Michelle Cooke, sr.; Jennifer Clark, jr.
Outlook: ``I hope we do a lot better than last year,'' Conaway said. ``The playoffs have six teams this year, so I hope we can make them. We would have last year if not limited to four teams. Our goal is to reverse our record of last year.''
KELLAM
Coach: Brenda Fuller
Last year's record: 3-15
Returning starters: Hailey Malone, soph., setter/hitter; Kerry McCarthy, junior, setter/hitter; Laura Berkely, sr., hitter; Jennifer Zonar, soph., hitter; Autumn Thompson, jr., hitter; Megan Fox, sr., hitter.
Top newcomers: Hilary Pazldis, jr.; Erin Stanek, fresh.; Miryah Bice, fresh.
Outlook: ``I have a young team, but the outlook is pretty good,'' Fuller said. ``Our strength is teamwork.''
KEMPSVILLE
Coach: Mary Sue Wimer
Last year's record: 17-1, district tournament champ
Returning starters: Melanie Freeman, jr., 1994 second team all-region; Christi Hall, sr.; Sara Horton, sr., 1994 honorable mention all-district; Kelly Sisley, sr., 1994 honorable mention all-district; Emerald Zemedkun, jr., 1994 second team all-region; Nicole Boyd, soph.; Kristen Hull, soph.
Top newcomers: Katie Costello, soph.; Brandee Haycox, soph.; Jacquie Matthews, fresh.; Clarisse Pinto, fresh.; Johannah Thompson, jr.
Outlook: The Kempsville girls are expected to make a solid run at a repeat berth.
OCEAN LAKES
Coach: Traci Aligor
Last year's record: 4-14
Returning starters: Mary Day, sr., outside hitter, 5-3 1/2; Shanna Thomas, sr., middle hitter, 5-8; MaKeesha Tann, junior, outside hitter, 5-7 1/2; Jenn Inman, jr., setter, 5-2; Cerissa Francisco, jr., middle hitter, 5-9; Jen Joyner, soph., outside hitter, 5-4; Lisa Marshall, soph., setter, 5-7
Top newcomers: Jennifer Ammann, fresh., setter, 5-3; Leanne Talbot, fresh., outside hitter, 5-1; Ebony Elliott, fresh., middle hitter, 5-7
Outlook: ``I'm excited about my team and its enthusiasm and energy,'' Aligor said.
PRINCESS ANNE
Coach: Steve Halstead
Last year's record: 6-12
Returning starters: Danielle Woznial, jr., outside hitter, 1994 team MVP; Kristen Travers, jr., setter; Krisy Midgette, jr., setter; Sasha Miller, soph., setter; Marjorie Castillo, sr., 1994 team most improved player; Dionne Cunningham, soph., outside hitter; Melissa Hirsh, soph., middle hitter.
Top newcomers: Lita Watkins, sr., middle blocker; Stacey Krueger, fresh, outside hitter; Regina Barth, soph., outside hitter.
Outlook: A strong hitting, but inexperienced team. The Lady Cavaliers have one returning senior and a senior defender joining the team.
``This year, we will depend on our defense and aggressive service to win games,'' Halstead said.
SALEM
Coach: Owen Dixon
Last year's record: 15-3
Returning starters: Renee Dorko, soph.; Jacquelyn Costa, soph.; Jenny Harmon, soph.; Angela Thomas, jr.; Megan Johnson, jr.; Bronwyn Blair, jr.; Misty Colebank, sr.; Patricia Callen, soph.; Amanda Zolliecoffer, soph.
Top newcomers: Michele Garcia, fresh.; Jennifer Blair, fresh.
Outlook: ``Salem will be tough,'' Dixon said. ``Kempsville has the players, but the change of coaches could effect the team. First Colonial has the best player in Alija Pittenger.''
TALLWOOD
Coach: Andre Gowans
Last year's record: 9-9
Returning starters: C.J. McGrath, sr., middle blocker/outside hitter; Arlene Pilinda, soph., setter/outside hitter; Jen Miller, sr., setter; Kristie Troyer, sr., outside hitter; Shannon Bridges, soph., outside hitter; Sarah Neaves, soph., outside hitter/middle blocker; Michelle Rogerson, sr., outside hitter
Top newcomers: Christie Harrison, jr., middle blocker/outside hitter; Miranda Swane, jr., middle blocker; Jessica Miller, fr., outside hitter
Outlook: ``We want to finish above .500 and be competitive,'' Gowans said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff file photo by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
Melanie Freeman, a junior, was a first-team all-district and
second-team all-region player for Kempsville district championship
team last season.
by CNB