By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
WILLIAMSTON — Both Elizabeth Pruden and Herbie Rogers know they have their work cut out for them this season, but as the two coaches looked on at their respective teams during a scrimmage on Thursday, each felt that his and her team is capable of having a strong season.
Pruden, the Seahawks’ second-year coach, is recouping from the loss of four starters from last season, while Rogers needs to replace seven seniors, six of whom were starters, and one WDN All-Area Volleyball Player of the year.
While Pruden misses the play of former Southside stars such as Gabby Cilluffo, Resla Penn and Chelsi Chandler, she said she is excited about the players who are returning for the 2008 season.
Pruden said she is proud of the effort her players have put forth during practice.
While the effort has been there, Pruden said she wasn’t satisfied with the play of the Seahawks during Thursday’s scrimmage, which also featured Perquimans.
The Southside coach said the team’s biggest problem was its serving, and expects it to be corrected in practice.
After going 7-7 last season, and making it into the second round of the NCHSAA 1-A playoffs in her first year with Southside, Pruden she feels more comfortable with the Seahawks at the start of her second season.
While Pruden’s players know what to expect from her, Rogers is still trying to figure out what his expectations are for his team.
Last year, Williamston went 21-3, won the Atlantic Conference championship and made it all the way to the third round of the playoffs.
This year, Rogers has to replace a whole new starting lineup, including middle hitter Presley Roberson, who was the WDN Volleyball Player of the Year.
Rogers said that so far his team has been rising to the challenge.
The Tigers have completed two scrimmages, and Rogers said he is still tinkering with the starting lineup.
One of the Tigers’ biggest adjustments will be playing without a dominant force in the middle of the court.