Peninsula volleyball has tall front set, more experience

Height will help team’s defense after winning four matches last year

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

If there’s one Peninsula Seahawks team that felt the effects of the Class 3A South Puget Sound League last year, it was the volleyball squad.

One-quarter of the teams in the 16-team state tournament bracket came from the SPSL — Sumner, Lakes, Enumclaw and Auburn Mountainview.

Peninsula finished 4-12 overall last year with a league record of 2-6. The top four teams had a combined win-loss record of 48-11.

“Last year, it wasn’t like we weren’t good, it was the other teams were so good,” Seahawks coach Ann Lovrovich said. “As a whole, we have five returning starters who have a lot more experience. They’re a lot stronger and team-oriented.”

Peninsula features three tall girls on the front line and a more seasoned backline. Senior Olivia Gallucci said this year’s team is 100 percent dedicated.

“We’re taller, which definitely helps (on defense),” she said. “I’m just really excited, since it’s my senior year.”

Peninsula had a couple team-building camps that players attended during the summer at Auburn Mountainvew and in Seaside, Ore.

Lovrovich said the Seahawks are ready to place higher in the league standings this year.

“Everybody has gotten better,” she said. “We’re taller and more athletic.

“Really what they want is to get the season going. We want to see if we are as good as we’ve been practicing.”

Peninsula senior Katelyn Hagen said she believes the team is more passionate this year.

“Everybody just wants to win and do better together,” Hagen said. “I do feel like we have more of a hunger for volleyball.”

She added that playing consistently and shaking off any mistakes will be the key to contending in the SPSL 3A.

“I’m really stoked to get in there and play,” Hagen said. “I think it’s going to be a great season.”

Although the competition is better than the combined 3A/2A Olympic League that Peninsula left following the 2007 season, Chandler Shea said she’s glad it’s more difficult.

“Because we should raise to that level and try to be the best in our league,” Shea said. “We can’t wait to play (Class 4A) Gig Harbor.”

Peninsula volleyball

Coach: Ann Lovrovich

2008 SPSL 3A champs: Sumner

Key losses: Setter Carly Crane

Key returners: Kayla Erickson, Olivia Gallucci, Jordan Stewart, Katelyn Hagen, Chandler Shea, Libby Williamson

Newcomers: Samantha Passwaters, Natalie Brundage

Biggest upside: Tall with strong defense. Lots of seniors who work hard to get better.

Coach prediction: “We will make it to districts,” Lovrovich said.

Teams to watch: Bonney Lake, Enumclaw and Lakes

Biggest matches: “Every match is big for us,” Lovrovich said. “We have set high goals for ourselves.”

Seahawks schedule

Sept. 8 at Timberline Loss

Sept. 10 vs. Enumclaw Loss

Sept. 15 vs. Yelm N/A

Sept. 17 at Clover Park 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 18 vs. Gig Harbor 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Franklin Pierce 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 24 vs. Capital 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 30 vs. Lakes 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 6 at North Thurston 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 8 at White River 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 13 vs. Bonney Lake 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Auburn Mountainview 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 21 at Enumclaw 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 26 vs. Franklin Pierce 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 30 Sub-district TBA

Nov. 6 District TBA

Nov. 13 State TBA