Feb 07, 2012
Pearland Lady O's ready for strong volleyball showing
August 18, 2010
PEARLAND — Pearland head volleyball coach John Turner has every reason to be excited about the 2010 season.
The Lady O's may have one of the best players in the state in Malorie Pardo. But that is not really what excites Turner about this group of players.
"We might not be as talented as in the past but these kids play so much better together with any drama coming in to play," Turner said. "They are a tight group that hates to lose. They won the "Hot-N-Sweaty" League with 15 teams participating which included all the teams from our new and old district plus Friendswood, Santa Fe, and Dawson. More encouraging was the fact that we won both the JV and Varsity Division of the league."
Pearland returns back to their old District 24-5A which offers much better competition than District 22-5A where they spent the past two years.
"I am very excited about returning to 24-5A," Turner said. "The overall toughness of the teams from top to bottom is so much stronger than our previous district and will prepare us better for the playoffs."
While Turner was hesitant to make any strong pre-season predictions, most volleyball experts agree that the teams that will make the playoffs from 24-5A will be Pearland and Clear Brook, with Clear Lake and Clear Creek pushing the envelope. Dickinson, Clear Springs, and Alvin could play the spoiler role.
There is no question that most predict Pearland as the favorite to capture the league title.
Turner believes that his team's strengths to begin the season include setting, team defense and overall experience.
As with every team, there are weaknesses to overcome and Turner sees the lack of experience in Middle Blocker position as needing some help.
Pearland does have some star power and the leading star is no secret in Pardo. Considering the many outstanding players that Turner has coached at PHS for over 15 years - the veteran coach had some strong accolades for his prize player.
"Mallory is the most experinced player in the history of the Pearland volleyball program," Turner said. "She will shatter all career records this year and set the standard for future Lady Oiler volleyball players. She is regarded state wide as probably the best all-around volleyball player. Her experience and leadership will be a major factor in the success of this team this year.
"A "coaches player" that is dedicated to not just improve her level of play but to raise the level of her fellow teammates through positive encouragement and leading by example. 'I hope this year goes by very slow; because when Malorie plays her last match on the Pearland Competition Court we will be witnessing a remarlable volleyball player that will possibly never be replicated.'"
But Pearland also has other strong players that will compliment Pardo. They include: Kaylie Young - Libero - who is regarded as one of the top three liberos in Greater Houston Area. Autumn Taylor - A sophmore that plays like a senior. She is improving faster than most freshman can even imagine to accomplish in one year. Cybil Armbruster - Hands down the most improved player in off-season.
Turner is looking for some young players to step up this season and they include: Jr. Madison Brooks - DS; Soph. Ashley Vann - MB; Soph. Waverly Sadler - OH; Soph. Beth Schecterle - DS.
"I am more excited about this team than any team I have coached at Pearland," Turner said. "They are the hardest working group of players with an incredible desire to be champions. We will be challenged from the first match of the season to the last district match. We will test our battle worthiness and hopefully come out of it battle ready for the playoffs."