Lindsey Chavers
Published: October 25, 2006
The Lady Pirates volleyball team has proven themselves so far. They have made it to the state tournament, which is being held in Lakeland Nov. 2-4.
Last year, they were out after losing the first two matches. This year they hope to change that.
“Last year they were all freshmen,” said Head Coach Pete Pena. “Now we’re a year older. We play better and have more poise.”
They also have more personality. Having to travel hundreds of miles to get to a game can take a toll on any team. But this group has found ways to cope.
Players dressed up as Pena and Assistant Coach Brent Beckstrom for the Halloween trip down to Lakeland.
Ashley Williams, freshman, donned a wig and outfit to look like Pena, while Chelsey Adams, sophomore, matched tattoos with Beckstrom.
“I always come up with random stuff,” said Williams, about the situation. “They loved it. They laughed and that was the point.”
“It was very creative on their part,” Pena said. “They are a very interesting group. We have teased each other all year long.”
Teasing and joking have helped them get through a relatively tough year, full of injures, and a few losses. But now, they are prepared to take on the challenges they might have to face in the tournament.
“I think we are the healthiest we have been,” Pena said. “We are ready to go.”