The Bradford High girls’ volleyball team knows success is
measured in the postseason.
After making the District 9 final four in 2007, Bradford rallied
from a 3-5 start in 2008, finishing the regular season on a 7-1
tear (10-6).
Unfortunately for the Lady Owls, that loss came to St. Marys in
the opening round of the District 9 playoffs and ruined Leet’s
team’s chance for a repeat final four spot.
“We played well against them [St. Marys], but we just didn’t gel
together as a team the whole match,” said Mike Leet, who is
entering his third year as head coach. “We should have won, but you
can’t make excuses. You either win or you don’t.”
This year, Leet said he and his players are focused on bridging
that communication gap as a team and putting up another successful
season – and hopefully one that will include a trip back to the
final four.
To get there, Leet said his team will rely on six, seasoned
seniors, who have all spent time in starting roles.
Said Leet, “They all have been around for two years. When they
execute game plans and control the pace, our win percentage is
really high.”
The group of seniors is headlined by Michele Keane, a 2008
District 9 First-Team all-star. Leet said Bradford’s accomplished
outside hitter and defensive specialist is “a very, very smart
player who understands the game entirely and sees things the
coaching staff sees.”
Senior Merissa McLaughlin, (outside hitter, defensive
specialist) is a player Leet applaudes for her communication.
Ashlie Harrington and Kayla Vinelli will play their final year as
middle hitters and middle blockers. Rounding out the senior class
is Erin Black, setter, and Jonnie Mascho, libero.
Tricia Ekas (middle hitter, middle blocker), a two-year
letterwinner, is the lone junior on the varsity squad. Sophomores
who will play significant time on the varsity squad are Emily
Marshall (setter, outside hitter), Emily Rinfrette (outside hitter,
defensive specialist) and Kelly Siffrinn (middle hitter, middle
blocker). Other sophomores include Macy Matzner, Charlotte Bush and
Corrine Sweet. Freshmen Kylie Hushon, Montgomery Burgoon, Kayla
Taylor, Kaitlyn McCann, Lexandria Pascarella, Samantha Behan round
out Leet’s complete roster.
“Nothing would be more exciting than having six standout players
on the court this year,” said Leet of his team. “This is the
seniors’ last year, and they have been working hard, so far. I’m
sure they are all looking for standout seasons.”
Leet feels that every girl who is given the opportunity can be a
standout, too. And more specifically, that team concept, an
ubiquitous and accepted philosophy for Lady Owls’ volleyball, is
why Leet believes his team will do well.
“Every girl understands what it takes to win. It takes the right
girls at the right time and learning to work harder, not smarter.”
added Leet.
“They are their biggest competition. If they work hard and give
it their all, then there’s no reason to hang their heads – no
matter the result.”
From the seniors to the freshmen, Leet said this year’s version
of Bradford girls’ volleyball is strongest and most talented roster
he has seen in his short career.
Fittingly, that is attributed to the program’s extensive
workouts and offseason, which no one values and understands better
than Leet.
Since practice began Aug. 17, Leet has put an emphasis on
conditioning and has held film session of recent practices, a tool
that has aided in speedier understanding of team play.
“From the end of August to the beginning of November, I don’t
think people understand the amount of work these girls put in the
offseason, and they are doing a phenomenial job,” said Leet.
“I’ve had really good turnouts in the weight room and open gym
this offseason, predominantly with freshmen and sophomores on the
JV team. Plus, both JV and varsity squads played in a highly
competitive camp at Youngstown State that went really well.”
To Leet, his freshmen and sophomore players are the keys to the
Lady Owls’ budding future.
According to the Bradford high coach, his JV team is an athletic
bunch of young kids with a good retention of offensive and
defensive schemes. Notably, he said he is impressed by the quick
progression of skill level in that group.
“We had hitting drills where we had sophomores beating seniors,”
said Leet. “The next set of drills the seniors won, but it
definitely opened their eyes to the work the other girls have put
in.”
Although it’s still the preseason, Leet said it’s evident the
Lady Owls have the passion and fire for its upcoming season.
“They’re trying to get a lot of support because they feel they
are going to have a big season,” he said. “They plan to play every
game for what it is and leave everything on the court. And that’s
fun to watch.”
The Lady Owls begin their season Sept 4. at Otto-Eldred.
