KFDM COOP Posted July 27, 2009 Report Posted July 27, 2009 Lady Bears seeking another banner season Van Wade The Orange Leader LITTLE CYPRESS — It was a banner season for the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Lady Bear volleyball unit in 2008. All the parts intertwined nicely as long-time Lady Bear coach Vicki Castino watched the LC-M squad (26-9) storm to the District 20-4A title with a 12-2 mark and advancing to the Class 4A bidistrict playoffs. Coach Castino is returning a slew of key players as they look for another big run in 2009. “We’ve got a lot of nice experience back led by Christine (Sicktich),†said Castino. “We’ve got a lot of great hitting back. The key for us this year will be our defense. We lost some good ones like Shayna (Sheppard), Alexa (Humble), Carly (Gauthier) and Brittany (Wiegand).†Senior Sicktich, who should have plenty of collegiate offers to choose from by the end of the season, has been a superb three-year starter for the Lady Bears. Sicktich, an All-Stater as a junior last season, was the key player in leading the Lady Bears to the 20-4A crown. She set a new school record with 530 kills. She was also 1,042-of-1,177 on attacks. She also notched 407 assists, 354 digs, 92 aces and 46 blocks. “Christine is such an amazing player,†said Castino. “She can do a little bit of it all. She’s an excellent team player and loves getting her teammates involved.†The Lady Bears welcome back several key ingredients. They return several good hitters in the likes of Ashton Lavergne, Elissa Tate, Amy Laughlin and Shelby Apperson that all received plenty of valuable experience last season. Also playing key roles in the backcourt will be Shelby Sanchez, who came on strong late last season and she has a superb serve along with Jennifer Procella, Kelly Tilley and varsity newcomers Megan Kemp and Kayla Harkness. “The key for us early, will be learning how to play solid defense,†said Castino. “We’ve got some kids that have really worked hard this summer that have shown a lot of improvement.†The Lady Bears are returning from a camp at The University of Florida this week. “We like to do this every year because it brings all the kids together,†said Castino. “We have a pretty close-knit group of kids anyway but a trip like this just brings them together more. They’ve had a busy week, learning a lot at the camp. They’ve been to beach a few times and have had fun. Come Monday, it’s all back to business.†Both volleyball and football teams will hit the practice gyms and fields for the first time Monday. Of course, District 20-4A will be full of roadblocks again as the loop is loaded with talent again. “(Beaumont) Ozen will be very good again and Port Neches-Groves is always good,†said Castino. “Nederland will be scrappy. Really, everyone is going to be so darn competitive. It’s going to be tough again, as usual. You’re going to have to bring your top game every night.â€
whambulance Posted July 31, 2009 Report Posted July 31, 2009 Making us proud here in Evadale Vicki!!!
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