Volleyball champions take peek toward next year

By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

There were plenty of fresh faces at the state volleyball tournament last weekend, with the champions of the two largest classifications -- Pope and Whitewater -- being first-time winners. Here are quick looks at each team's championship memories, along with an outlook for its title defense:

Pope (Class AAAAA): The Greyhounds are the early favorites to repeat as champs next year, as they lose only one starter to graduation -- setter Hannah Farmer. Mary Hoey and Mary Hannah Arrington are two of the state's top outside hitters, while Mikaela Tracy will take over at setter. Pope is ordering championship rings this week, and the team will be honored later at a basketball game. Libero Danielle Thompson was Pope's MVP in the playoffs. Said coach Bryan Jones: "Many people don't realize the importance of great ball control. They think of just the big guns, the players who can bounce the ball into the stands, or pound through any block. The thing is, none of that can take place without ball control ... that is exactly what Dani brings to our team day after day."

Whitewater (AAAA): For the first time, the volleyball team picture will go up on Whitewater's gym wall with the rest of the Fayetteville school's past state champions. The Wildcats also are planning an end-of-year banquet to reminisce about the season. Whitewater loses two seniors to graduation, right hitter Lizzie Knapper and libero Joy Smith. Said coach Ben Thacker, "The outlook is bright. Down the stretch and through the tournament, we started three freshmen, a sophomore and two juniors ... Starting three freshmen on a championship team makes you feel pretty good about the future. We can't rest on this year's accomplishments, though."

Woodward Academy (AAA): Four days after defeating Columbus 3-0, War Eagles coach Tad Sahara was still amazed. "Considering how our offense never really found a rhythm, I feel very fortunate to walk away with a victory. It was a bit of chess match of both teams taking away the other team's offense with its defense. Fortunately for us, our defense responded, and we were able to prolong the rallies." In the finals, Becky Clapes took advantage of her limited kill attempts, and setter Kelsey Eastman changed the momentum of the match with a few stellar plays.

Wesleyan (AA/A): The Wolves have captured championships in five out of the past six years and will be strong again next year. Wesleyan loses only two starters to graduation, Haley Collins and Anna Keappler. Said coach Ted Russell, "Immediately after the championship celebration, I told the girls we can make it back again next year, but they are going to have to show the same determination that they did after they lost [in the 2008 finals], and have that same hunger to work so hard in the offseason." Russell added that this year's squad "turned out to be the best team I've ever coached" out of the five championships.