Sang Lee
BURBANK -- With only Providence High making it to the postseason last
year, it was definitely not a memorable year for girls' volleyball in
Burbank.
But look for things to change this season, from the bottom on up.
Last year, the bottom could have easily been Burbank High. With an
0-10 record in the Foothill League, the Bulldogs had an arduous time with
tough league opponents. However, look for Burbank to be the most improved
squad, as it is coming off a16-0 record in the tough Village Christian
Summer Tournament.
Burroughs should be right behind the Bulldogs, and
Bellarmine-Jefferson should be improved with a new formation to play
with.
As for last year's most successful team, Providence returns a talented
core of players and should contend for the Liberty League championship.
Here is a look at the upcoming season:
BURBANK
Forget any former impressions about Burbank volleyball. Despite going
5-11 a year ago and having just two returning players, the Bulldogs have
high hopes for the season
Coach Darin Wolf is helping build up the program, as evidenced by the
Bulldogs' efforts this summer. They beat Village Christian, Burroughs,
Providence, Bell-Jeff and Holy Family.
Opposing teams had to be impressed with Burbank's teamwork and its new
dedication to winning.
To his credit, Wolf has not lost faith at producing a winner, and most
importantly, has never lost confidence in his team.
"We're looking good. We're a little younger, but we have a better work
ethic," Wolf said. "The summer was great. It showed us the possibilities.
But we have to keep levelheaded."
Wolf is right. Even with all the talent in the world, he knows that
talent alone will not win matches.
But this year looks different, albeit with a few familiar faces.
Returning is senior outside hitter Kristin Aponik. She'll be joined by
junior middle blocker Jennifer Anderson. Returning from a foot injury and
a one-year hiatus is softball standout Tiffany Rhoads, who will take on
the setting duties.
Lindsey Davenport should also see time setting, and Samantha Rivero
will attack as the opposite-side hitter.
"We're real optimistic. But I think what's most important is that we
have a lot of heart," Wolf said.
BURROUGHS
The Foothill League was tough enough, and losing 16-year Coach Linda
Murphy during the season last year certainly didn't help.
After a conflict between Murphy and the administration, she stepped
down midway through the league season, as the team finished with a 6-10
and a 2-8 league mark.
