Juniors At Head Of Class

In just its fourth year of existence, the Springdale Har-Ber Lady Wildcats volleyball program may be ready to seriously challenge for a coveted state championship. Following three years of steady progress, which has coincided with the emergence of a talented junior class that will mesh nicely with a trio of invaluable seniors, fourth-year coach Sandy Jones is as optimistic as anybody about her team's chances of putting together a memorable season. "I'm most excited for them (the players)," Jones said. "I can see areas of growth over the last year. They've really stepped up and are becoming the players they need to be, to finish at the top (of the 7A West standings). "They really worked hard in the off season. I think it's the maturity of them (that has made a big difference). Now, they think that they can win." The Lady Wildcats tasted winning last year while securing a state tournament berth that provided a confidence boost. Now Jones has a sense that 7A West adversaries are expecting all they can handle and then some from her squad in a league race that should be as tough as ever. "We ended up in fifth last year in the conference," Jones said. "Now everybody is dreading us (in 2008). But I think it will be a great conference (title chase) this year." There are several individual players Jones believes will figure prominently in Har-Ber's championship quest, including athletically-gifted juniors Kailey Bain (5-foot-3), Courtney Bell (5-6), Katie Collins, Kirstie Hesseltine (5-10), Holly Huffman (5-10), Sydney Marsellis (5-11) and Martha Swearingen (5-11). The trio of steady seniors who are expected to fill key roles are Madison Cantrell (5-9), Kelsey Mullikin (5-5) and Jackie Stroud (5-3). Super sophomore Alicia Swearingen (5-9) may vie for playing time as well. Although Jones will count on several to step up, Bain, Hesseltine, Marsellis, and the elder Swearingen (Martha), in particular, could be classified as players whose skill levels are outstanding. As for an overall team perspective, the Lady Wildcats' bench boss sees a number of positives. "Our back row (defensively) is solid," Jones said. "Defense is really what wins a lot of games for you. "We also have strong blocking at the net and I think that will be an asset for us. Digs is another area where we've really gotten strong and it was one of our weaknesses last year." While there don't seem to be many weak links in Har-Ber's armor, Jones knows that her squad will get battle tested in a hurry, both in and out of league play. "We're facing some strong teams in the non-conference (part of the schedule)," she said. "But I think a key for us at the beginning (of conference) is starting off strong. "We'll have Fort Smith Southside, (defending state champion) Bentonville and Fayetteville (in consecutive games). We need to have some success early and build our confidence up." Regardless of how things ultimately play out for Jones and Co., this Lady Wildcats volleyball bunch seems to have a lot of things in its favor. "They really take the game serious," Jones said. "And, their skills are a little more top notch. I also think they are happy with each other." Most important of all, Jones said that "team unity is the word." The Lady Wildcats are unified heading into a season of seriously pursuing its title goals, but they must stick together through what figures to be another strong 7A West to make it happen.