Charger Sports

Can volleyball get district trophy?

Brandi James, Charger Staff

The 2004-2005 volleyball season is underway. This group of girls has everyone wondering about the district trophy that is within their grasp. Leading the way is the team’s only senior Joanna Slagle. The other five starters include juniors Chelsea James and Hillary Valdez and sophomores Nikki James, Taylor Denney and Staci Ray. Other varsity members include Bianca Burnett, Laura Dale, Lauren Garrett, and varsity manager Brandi James. The team is led by Coach Sharon Bilbrey and assistant coach, Jackie Mayberry.

The junior varsity team consists of Amanda Bradtmiller, Ashley Francis, Brooke Gaw, Lindsey Herren, Kayla Kelly, Angela Lasater, Erica Reed, Jessica Riches, Cayla Smith, Leslie Smith, Grace Yen and JV manager Amber Earls.

With the loss of only three seniors, the girls are practicing hard and are very eager to win the district this year. Throughout the summer the girls have worked together, gone to camps and played in tournaments. The team’s first official game does not take place until Aug. 24, when the girls play against the Jets at Cumberland County High School at 5:00p.m. with the JV team following.
Coach Bilbrey said that, “Rome wasn’t built in a day, so hard work, but most of all teamwork is going to be the deciding factor in the girls’ fate.”

Also, senior varsity player, Joanna Slagle, said “I’m really pumped about this year!!! I can’t wait to show off all the effort and practice we have put in for this year. I think that our team has the potential to be great as long as we play with the intensity that we left off with from last year. Granted, we have new people and have others playing different positions on court, but this team has heart and what we put our minds too, we shall accomplish.”