By By EUGENE L. TINKLEPAUGH, Staff Writer
Returning to the Big Blue for her second year as head volleyball coach, Michelle Cetner keeps an eye on more than the ball.
She wants to see a drastic improvement in the Washington Pam Pack team she inherited last year and doesn’t hold back when asked what her expectations are for the young team.
And she fully believes it’s possible with the new talent coming up to play at the high school level and her three returning stars to guide the team.
At the second day of try-outs, Cetner noted that the 30 or so girls vying for a Pack jersey looked good.
Two of the team’s three rising seniors were on hand Tuesday for practice. Seniors Amber Alligood and Ebony Tuten kept the energy up and the team spirit high.
Samantha Smith, also a senior and returning Pam Pack volleyball leader, wasn’t at practice Tuesday because of a conflict.
Despite a dismal 1-13 season last year, Cetner said she expects the Pam Pack to turn things around this year and perform up to par on the court.
With Alligood’s stinging serve and Tuten’s balanced attack, it’s easy to understand Cetner’s optimism.
This is the first week the Pam Pack has been back together on the court since last season ended, “and it feels good to be back,” Cetner said.
Tuesday’s practice was spent on getting back to the basics. The team worked on setting, spiking and serving, while getting technique tips from Cetner.
The coach shied away from picking out particularly tough games the team would play this year, indicating many would be challenging for the freshman-heavy Pam Pack.