KFDM COOP Posted August 7, 2008 Report Posted August 7, 2008 Lady Cardinals ready to test the net Gabe Pruett The Orange Leader BRIDGE CITY — It is obvious the first thing that comes to mind when one talks Bridge City Lady Cardinals volleyball is last year’s trip to the regional tournament. The 2007 version of the Lady Cardinals claimed a share of the District 21-3A championship and saw each four of their seniors sign athletic scholarships to play sports in college. So losing that much talent and coming off one of the most successful seasons in school history should worry Bridge City fans, right? Coach Becca Mathews may not know her full varsity roster just yet but she is very excited watching her team grow and improve on a daily basis. “I’m real excited about this group,†Mathews said on Thursday. “They will surprise people this year. All the girls have gotten so much better in just four days of practice.†Mathews has taken a soft approach towards this year’s group when bringing up the past. “I really try not to talk about last year,†Mathews said. “I don’t want this group to feel they are not important because they are. You can say they have huge shoes to fill but at the same time I expect this year’s team to win.†The Lady Cardinals did not lose everything from a year ago. Leading the way is 2007 All-Orange Leader Newcomer of the Year Emily Kosh. Kosh, now a junior, was a pivotal part of the Lady Cardinals’ run a year ago with terrific setting ability. Mathews has four seniors at her disposal in Mallory Guidry, Amy Caillouet, Sam West and Sarah Armand. Also back from a year ago is sophomore Marlee Lopez who gained a ton of experience as a freshman. While the talk of last year has been light, the practice schedule has not been easy for the Lady Cardinals. Bridge City volleyball players go through a tough work out program under Mathews. “We do conditioning for three hours and they played in summer league and put in a lot of open gym hours,†Mathews said. “Everyone has been here and they actually have liked the practices. They love it. The point of all that conditioning is you are ready when a match goes into a Game 5.†Mathews cannot guarantee another district title or long playoff run but she can promise the Lady Cardinals are going to work hard at getting better. “I can guarantee we will be better every week,†Mathews said. “The girls are going to touch a volleyball six days a week from here on out and that is going to make us better right there.â€So is another district title in the works? “Our district is no different than last year, it is tough,†Mathews added. “The other two playoff teams (Silsbee and Hamshire-Fannett) seem to be even stronger this year. The others are so scrappy and a few took us to five games last year. It is going to be a battle twice a week. The Houston Chronicle called and asked me to place all the teams and I would have no idea to rank the teams in our district.†However the Lady Cardinals end up this year, fans can expect a hard working team which is prepared for anything.
Red Pepper Posted August 8, 2008 Report Posted August 8, 2008 We are so blessed to have many good VB coaches in the Triangle like Coach Mathews. They not only have to compete with Friday Night Football, they must sell a sport that most parents aren't exposed to until their daughter gets in JH. Most areas have a strong feeder program such as SB and BB but not in VB. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication.
Gabe Posted August 8, 2008 Report Posted August 8, 2008 BC is blessed with a volleyball coach that truly loves her kids. I can say on a personal level since I am very good friends with Becca, she does not stop for one second talking about volleyball.
Recommended Posts