Tuesday, August 19, 1997

Lady Cougars ready for another playoff run

By MARK WILSON

Staff Writer

The end to Cooper's best volleyball season was about as bad as it gets, but memories of that nightmare could be erased if this year's team reaches its potential.

The Lady Cougars were leading Amarillo High 13-5 in the third game of their Class 5A state quarterfinal playoff game last season. But Amarillo rallied to win 10 unanswered points and the contest, ending the most successful volleyball season in school history. Cooper finished at 21-11, and Amarillo went on to lose its next game, to eventual state champion Arlington Martin, in the regional tournament.

But with eight returning lettermen, including five starters, the Lady Cougars are setting their sights on a fourth straight playoff berth and a third consecutive District 4-5A championship.

"I think we've got a lot of leaders out of that group, and we've got playoff experience," said CHS coach Beth Wills. "I expect a lot out of them, but they expect a lot from themselves.

"Losing the way we did ... they're hungry to win. They didn't like it any more than I did."

Cooper kicks off its 1997 schedule today at Cougar Gym with two opponents in town. The Lady Cougars will take on Breckenridge at 5 p.m. and Stephenville at 8 p.m. At 7 p.m., Breckenridge will play Stephenville.

The Lady Cougars feature excellent depth and good height, and will rely heavily on its defense.

"We have one of the taller teams we've had," Wills said. "But what we also have going for us is that we are passing better than we have since I don't know when."

The five returning starters - part of the group of nine seniors - are 6-2 middle blocker Jessie Wise, defensive specialist Stacy McNeil, setter Cricket Holt, and outside hitters Melisse Watkins and Catherine Weir. Watkins played middle blocker last season.

Weir suffered a knee injury in May - on the last day of school. Surgery was eventually ruled out, but she is ready to play.

Wills said that another 6-2 middle blocker, sophomore April Coffield, is coming on strong, as is outside hitter Allyson Mavroulis, a senior returning letterman.

"Our young kids are going to see some playing time," Wills said. "They're doing a tremendous job."

Wills said that Odessa Permian could contend for the district crown with itsoutstanding group of athletes, and that she is "looking for Abilene High to be a lot tougher than they have been."