Joe Elder
Published: April 13 2004
Despite a 13-17 record last year, Lady Pirates volleyball coach Pete Pena is still very proud of his team for their efforts.
“A record doesn’t always measure a team’s ability,” he said.
Character was the main part of last year’s team, Pena said, and he hopes that this year’s team will display the same character.
“I’m not going to make excuses for last season,” Pena said. “Injuries hindered us, but we never gave up.”
This season, the Lady Pirates are hoping to return to the 24-10 record of two seasons ago. They would like to return to when they were back-to-back Panhandle Conference Champions, when they had back-to-back final four appearances, and when they were back-to-back Gulf District runner-ups.
The Lady Pirates have several returning players this year. Chelsey Esinhart and Mandy Posey are returning to play the middle this season. Anastasia Saunders and Celeste Bickford return as outside hitters. Heather Whiddon is returning to the right side and defensive specialist Ashley Dale is returning as well.
To solidify the roster, Pena has recruited local talent. Jessica Turner, from Milton High, who was named First Team All Northwest Florida, as well as defensive specialists, Rachelle Salomone from Navarre High and Jessica Coste from Escambia High will play for PJC.
Of Rachelle Salomone, Pena said, “We expect great things from her.”
Bradford High School’s Christina Lopez, who was selected to play in the state’s North/South All Star Game, and Tiffany Jones from Ridgeview High also signed scholarships. Jones is a middle hitter who is also a utility player, which will help give Pena some versatility. Pena still has three scholarships left and he is hoping to concentrate those on the middle to help add depth.
Pena is hopeful and optimistic for the upcoming season. He is happy with how the team is shaping up. Anastasia Saunders will be back this season after suffering a knee injury early on and missing the majority of the season.
The team is in spring training and conditioning right now. Practice officially begins in August. The Lady Pirates open the season on the road playing in the Faulkner State Tournament.
“We are excited and we feel good about the upcoming season,” Pena said.