Tigresses looking to create their own legacy
By Chris Yucus
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cyucus@bcrnews.com
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| The Princeton Tigresses made state in ‘08 and are ready to shine in ‘09. Team members taking the floor in Monday’s season opener at Streator are (front row, from left) Paige Woolley, Dani Compton, Slyvie Tracy, Jolynn Kane, Katlin Petersen, Stephanie Bonucci and manager Amber Ruter; (back row, from left) coach Andy Puck, Lacey Jensen, Allie Youngren, Brianna Kamphuis, Jacquie Kane, Molly Stephens, Sarah Maynard and manager Justin Smith. (BCR photo/Kevin Hieronymus) |
PRINCETON — Coming off of last year’s state tournament run, which saw the Tigresses bring home a fourth-place trophy from Redbird Arena, expectations are once again high for coach Andy Puck’s volleyball team.
“Last year was last year, and we talk about that a lot,” Puck said. “But these kids want to write their own legacy.”
The Tigresses have an abundance of riches when it comes to athleticism on this year’s squad. Eight letterwinners return from that state squad, including four starters.
“We’re athletic, and I’m not going to be able to get the full potential out of our athleticism,” Puck said. “I have some kids that are playing back row that would probably be other teams’ starting outside hitters. It’s a good problem to have.”
Without a pair of graduated seniors from last year’s squad, 6-foot standout hitter Leah Shaw, who is playing at Illinois Central College and blocker Sarah Schlund, the Tigresses will have a little bit of a different style this season.
“We’re going to have a lot of ball control this year, so hopefully we’ll find ways to win by outplaying the other team and picking on their weaknesses,” Puck said. “You can do a lot with ball control.”
One of the returning players Puck is looking for leadership from is senior Molly Stephens, who will be starting her third year at the setter position. Stephens will also have a chance to hit some this year, as well, with fellow senior Katlin Petersen getting some time setting.
Also returning is libero Sylvie Tracy, who Puck calls sums up as simply “unbelievable.”
Other seniors hoping to make the trip back to Red Bird Arena are outside hitter Sarah Maynard, opposite hitter Jacquie Kane, defensive specialist Stephanie Bonucci, who Puck says is one of the team’s best servers and middle blocker Lacey Jensen.
One of the younger players Puck expects to step up will be junior middle blocker Allie Youngren. “She’s really making strides towards cracking the starting lineup,” Puck said.
Other juniors on this year’s squad include outside hitter Jolyn Kane, who saw significant varsity playing time as a sophomore, and middle blocker/opposite hitter Brianna Kamphuis, who Puck calls “versatile” and says will help the team with her height.
Junior defensive specialist Dani Compton has made the biggest improvement on the team since practice began two weeks ago, Puck said, and looks to be a solid contributor. So will be junior Paige Woolley, who is a good utility player, and the most versatile athlete on the team, Puck said.
“The 12 kids I have, they want to be here,” Puck said. “They’re pushing each other, and they work extremely hard.
This year’s squad has had a very determined approach to practice, Puck said.
“We have a healthy rivalry in practice, it’s very competitive,” Puck said. “The kids get after it.”
Currently, in their third week of practice, the Tigresses can’t wait to get the 2009 campaign under way.
“We need a match, we need to play,” Puck said.
The Tigresses will kick off their season Monday, with a game at Streator. They will follow up on Tuesday at Bureau Valley.
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