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Veritas Eager To Hit The Court

Class 1A volleyball — The Vanguard upbeat despite losing key players to injury in the preseason

Published: Newberg Graphic 9/2/2011 7:11:00 PM

Veritas coach Rachel Schippers will rely on Maureen Lynch and other seniors to lead a young group of new players.

After enjoying a breakthrough season a year ago, Veritas hasn't quite had the preseason head coach Rachel Schippers was hoping for.

In addition to losing three starters from last season, the Vanguard will be without two more key players, thanks to injuries, when the season kicks off Sept. 8 at the Oregon School for the Deaf.

"We had kind of a rough week to start, but we've had some younger girls come in and they're really stepping up to the challenge," Schippers said. "It's hard not to get discouraged when all of these things are happening. The girls are chomping at the bit to play. They're really excited."

Regulars Hannah Rosenbohm, Taylor Cuddeford and Samantha Hamilton, as well as reserve Consuela Hegeman, all graduated, while last year's middle blocker, Annie Gerlicher, did not return to the team.

Schippers was already going to rely heavily on seniors Katy Schultz, Maureen Lynch and Kelsey Hutchins, but Hutchins has been sidelined with a knee injury.

If that weren't enough, incoming freshman Nathalie Anderson, who was expected to help defray the loss of last year's seniors, broke her ankle in the first week of practice.

"The day after, it was tough and you could just feel an oppressive feeling in the gym," Schippers said. "But we talked together as a group and either we can let this keep us down or we can do something about it and fill that hole. They're doing it, staying positive and having a good time. When they're not working hard, there are smiles on their faces. It's really good as a coach to see that."

In the meantime, junior Grace Rosenbohm and sophomore Maddie Crabtree have stepped in at setter until Hutchins can return.

"We're in the process of training them right now," Schippers said. "They're doing a great job."

Also expected to contribute this year are sophomore defensive specialist Alissa Lubben and freshman outside hitter Jessica Stone.

"Some of the girls have really had to step up to fill a couple of holes there," Schippers said. "Some of the younger girls may have known what they're doing, but weren't quite ready for that varsity level and we've had to throw them in there. But they're doing a good job with that."

Schippers said she believes serving will be a big strength this season and is confident the team's hitting will progress as the younger players, especially the setters, settle in.

Her players' versatility will also be helpful in offsetting the injuries and a relatively small roster overall.

"We're just working those rotations so that we're using the best players," Schippers said. "A lot of my girls can play around, which is great. Lynch is great in the back row, too. It's the same with Stone and Shultz. These girls are wearing different hats and they're doing a great job with it."