Pierce taking it one game at a time

With just two seniors on this year's squad, the Pierce High volleyball team is not going to look at things too far down the road, but will try to take care of them as they come.

"Our goal is to take one game at a time," said coach Kim Travis, who moved up from coaching JV to coach the varsity this season. "We learned last year that we have to focus on the task at hand and not worry about what next week brings."

Travis will look to seniors Yasmin Garcia and Shannen Schaad to lead by example for the young Lady Bears.

"Garcia (5-8) will be a strong force on the right side, and Schaad (5-11) has a good block," she said.

At the center of the attack is junior setter Alison Ornbaun (5-5).

"She has great hands and works hard at getting her hitters the ball where they need it to be successful," the coach remarked, explaining that Sara Nunez (5-8), Molly Geyer (5-6) and Trisha Abele (5-4) are working daily at running different plays.

"We have a very young team, but I am confident that we will be competitive," Travis stated. "Six of these girls played club volleyball during their off-season, and they are very dedicated to improving their game."

Filling out the Pierce roster are: Cristina Carillo, a defensive specialist; middle hitter Ashley Flood; outside hitters Samantha Murphy and Selina Moreno; and libero Bianca Vazquez.

Last season, the Bears finished with a record of 5-17 overall, and were 2-8 in the Sacramento Valley League. Of the league schedule this season, Travis said, "Willows is always a force to be reckoned with, but this year we have Trinity in league, and we have no clue what they will bring to the court."