Abby Waldburger
hits in court volleyball
last season.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
Coach Drew Burdette brings in a whole new coaching staff to La Jolla High girls volleyball and says, "There is a lot of energy and excitement in the gym. New voices, new drills, and new outlooks will hopefully ignite the desire to work hard in practice and support one another in matches."
His leaders include Amanda Polcyn at libero, Madeleine Gates and Emma Willis at middle blocker, and Abby Waldburger as setter. All but Willis, a senior, are juniors. Gates propelled volleyballs at an elite clip last year in a breakout season when her capabilities really came together. She can be a dominant force.
Polcyn has picked up a lot of poise and skill as she has gained game experience and resulting confidence her first two years in high school. Gates and Polcyn play similar leadership roles in basketball, as well.
Waldburger has started much of the time her freshman and sophomore years.
Burdette says, "We will live and die by passing. If we can pass well, we compete with anyone and have the potential to win games."
Much of the same core helped lead the Vikings, now a year older, into the CIF playoffs last fall where, due to the new division alignments, San Dieguito Academy showed the younger team where they can be with diligence and growth. It was a harsh experience, but valuable for pointing the Vikes forward.
Seniors Bridget Odmark and Ashley Pretorius will be defensive keys and in the passing game.
The Vikings won the second and fourth games in their season-opening match at Point Loma Sept. 10, but they dropped a 3-2 decision with a close fifth game.
Copyright 2014 Ed Piper
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