Whispers of 'state' have filtered through Lawrence High's volleyball camp.
The Lions missed the state tournament last fall for the first time since 1971. A loss to Free State in the sub-state final ended Lawrence's 26-year postseason run and LHS is eager to return to the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka, site of the Class 6A state tournament.
"That word has come up a lot," second-year LHS head coach Jo Huntsinger said of state. "It doesn't come from me. As a coach I love hearing that word. They're definitely hungry. They've done a lot of good things in the offseason to put themselves in a better position. They're in much better shape than last year. They're a high quality group and I feel really lucky to be associated with them."
LHS will open the season today at Blue Valley North's quadrangular. Olathe East and Olathe South will also participate in the quad.
"We're further along than we were at this time last year," Huntsinger said. "We're going to have to get out there and play and see how we match up."
Four starters return from last year's 22-16 LHS team. Right-side hitter Kayla Dreiling, outside hitter Ann Weygint, outside hitter Katie Bell and setter Ashley Bechard are back.
Middle hitters Becky Wenger, Deborah Newby and Annie Willoughby also figure in Lawrence's attack. Newby is a transfer from Free State. Alexis Heere is a setter and defensive specialist.
Huntsinger plans to use all eight.
"I could see eight getting in a rotation," she said. "We have a lot of options this year. They're all pretty versatile."
The Lions scrimmaged on Saturday against LHS alumni teams. Players ranged from Dodie Jordan, a member of Lawrence's first team in 1971, and 1999 LHS graduate Esther Magnuson.
"We learned a lot during our scrimmage," Huntsinger said. "We need to make quicker transitions. That's always slow at the beginning of the year. We're going to watch films. We telling them they're not doing it doesn't do any good, but if they can see it, it works a little better."
The Lions' first home event is the Lawrence tournament on Oct. 2. LHS will play at Free State on Sept. 30.
LHS should reach another milestone this season. The Lions, in position to record their 900th victory in school history, have an all-time match mark of 887-105. Only four other teams in the nation have won 900 matches.
-- Steve Rottinghaus' phone message number is 832-7152. His e-mail address is srottinghaus@ljworld.com
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