Rebels ready to return to form

By PATRICK BURNS
Valley Press Staff Writer

The Rebels were without Larry Vocke as head coach for the first time in six years, and finished second in the Golden League to Lancaster, under first-year head coach David Gutierrez.

In Vocke's six years prior to stepping down, the Rebels won the Golden League four times, including the final two years of his tenure.

Now, after one-year coach Blake Stanford stepped down, Vocke has returned to the head coaching position at Quartz Hill.

"There was less camaraderie among the team last year," said senior setter Michelle Carroll. "This year the main difference is that we all got a lot better over the year from playing on club teams."

Since Stanford had stepped down, Vocke accepted the position three weeks after school was out for the summer and had a difficult time scheduling the team's practices early. There was only one day the entire team got together before the three-week dead period.

"I think we'll catch up, they're working really hard," Vocke said.

Vocke also added that although it won't be easy beating Lancaster since they are the defending champions, the Rebels are coming together a lot better than he expected. Vocke said he thought the team's practice on Wednesday was the best they have had so far.

"They are looking really good right and this is a really good group," he said.

Lancaster is led by junior outside hitter Seferina Starks, and senior middle blocker Ashley Robinson this season. The Eagles are also conforming well to the loss of GL MVP setter Roxy Neely.

"They will be the team to beat this season," Vocke said.

Lancaster also has a deep bench with more than half of their roster made up of seniors that contributed to last year's GL championship, its first in school history.

All-Golden League first team player Chelsea Hamilton, along with Cara Sherard, are considered by Vocke to be two of the best outside hitters in league.

"With the outside hitters we have on our team, you can put the ball anywhere and you know it's going over the net," Carroll said.

Carroll, along with Kristen Van Dongen and Nicole Tracy make up three talented setters for the Rebels to go along with intimidating middle blocker Kahlia Burnley.

"This is by far the deepest team I've ever had," Vocke said. "It's nice having competition behind players, because if someone's not doing well, someone else can come in to replace them."

Carroll said that her expectations for the team are to not only win the Golden League, but finish undefeated in league play. Even though she expects it will be a difficult task, she believes it is a possibility considering the way the team has been practicing under Vocke.

"The team is coming together at the right point," she said. "It was good to finally be able to mesh well together."