Madison County Journal Sports
Lady Raider Volleyball Coach
Steve Crouse is excited about entering his second season with the team this
fall. But there will be plenty of shoes to fill in 2014, since his team lost
seven seniors. “We really lost a lot of great senior class; we lost a lot of
leadership and skilled players who understood the game,” said Crouse. But a
large number of girls are showing interest in playing this fall. Nearly thirty
five girls showed up at a team meeting near the end of the school year and that
number was not including the number of girls that will make the transition from
high school to middle school this fall. And Crouse is encouraged by their
enthusiasm. “We have had a great turnout this summer and have had a lot of
young girls who are really interested in learning the game and getting involved
with volleyball,” said Crouse. “We’re trying to progress as much as we can
throughout the summer to get these young girls up to speed, but we’re really
excited about the turnout and enthusiasm that we’re having so far this summer.”
Last year’s group of varsity
Raiders made history by advancing to the state tournament for the first time.
The Lady Raiders defeated Eastside and Lumpkin County in the region tournament
to qualify for the state tournament where they lost to Locust Grove. Entering
this fall’s season, the Lady Raiders will return just three of the girls that
made the state tournament last season. The three returning varsity players
include the height of MacKenzie LaZear, Mya Moss and the very experienced
Samantha Watson. Watson was the only member of last season’s team to make the
varsity squad as a freshman. Still with plenty of vacancies to be filled on
varsity, the three returning players will provide next season’s squad with
plenty of power. Watson’s position at setter is a key spot on the floor because
of her ability to feed hitters like LaZear and Moss at the net.
Crouse and his returning
assistants Kyle Cooper and Brooke Allen are currently holding summer workouts
that will last until the final week of July. Mixed in the middle of workouts
will be an Emmanuel Camp that will be held at the middle school June 18th
from 5-8 pm and June 19 which will be an all day camp. The girls will also play
scrimmage matches at Appalachee High School on July 28, 29, and 30th
leading up to tryouts which will be held on July 31 and August 1. Also included
in summer sessions will be a Kids Camp on July 21 through the 25th
also at the middle school.
The Lady Raiders’ season schedule
includes eight home matches with possibly more added later. “Stephens County has
contacted us as possible added matches,” said Crouse. “This will be Stephens
County’s first year of volleyball both varsity and junior varsity so we are
looking to add them to the schedule.” Last season’s Volley Raiders played
limited home matches in the middle school gym due to the construction at the
new high school. Crouse’s girls will be back on their own courts at the high
school this coming season and will be hoping for large crowds to support this
season’s squad. The Volley Raiders open the season on the road at East Hall
High School on August 14 and will open their home season August 26 versus Cedar Shoals.
