Skip to content
The Archive of The Carrboro Citizen
Menu
  • Home
  • News
  • Community
  • Schools
  • Business
  • Opinion
  • Obituaries
  • Sports
  • Mill
  • Flora
  • Print Archive
  • About
Menu

Teams gear up

Posted on August 27, 2009August 27, 2009 by Staff

By Beth Mechum

Many local high schools are getting a shakeup in conference play this year. Carrboro is now part of the Carolina 9 and Chapel Hill is in the Carolina 6.

Though conference rivalries are important in Orange County, cross-town rivalries often hold just the same importance, and women’s volleyball is one such example.

The coaches in the area said they are excited to play new competition, but look forward to seeing the familiar faces in gyms across town as well.

It remains to be seen whether these new conferences make teams stronger or weaker when those matches circled in red on coaches’ and players’ calendars come to fruition.


Carrboro High

Coach Steve Scanga considers this season’s volleyball team the first true varsity team he’s had in his three years of coaching the Jaguars.

With one senior in the past two years combined, it’s safe to say that experience was not at a premium.

While that could have been detrimental in the past, the girls are now primed to gain the rewards of their struggles. The hours they toiled as freshmen and sophomores playing slightly out of their league should prove beneficial as juniors and seniors in a new conference, the Carolina 9, that Scanga considers to be competition more suited for their skill level.

Scanga said the tallest girl on the team is 5’8”, which makes it difficult to block teams with a lot of firepower in the striker position.

That’s why Scanga has preached defense all these years. The Jaguars are a defensive team first; the offensive skills then follow naturally, Scanga said.

Last year’s record: 5-16

Who’s gone: Abby Owens was the one senior on last year’s team and her leadership will be missed.

Who’s here: Willa Brooks will be expected to step up and be a strong outside hitter, something Scanga said he has seen happen already. Andi Aldana’s mobility will make her an important part of the team this year, as also will be the case with Meredith Allen, a setter.

Expectations: Scanga said he expects the Jaguars to be more competitive in the Carolina 9 Conference and is predicting an above .500 record, along with a trip to the conference tournament.

Chapel Hill High

The Tigers might have had to forego some lazing around this summer to practice volleyball, but Coach Sherry Davis made sure the girls didn’t suffer too much.

The team took a beach trip to Wilmington and Sunset Beach to facilitate team bonding and have some fun.

But they made sure to participate in some scrimmages too. Davis said each girl got some playing time (and probably some sun time too), and she’s happy with where her team is right now.

“Last year was a rebuilding year, and I’m really thinking this year we are going to perform and have a better record,” Davis said. “We’re excited about the competition we’re facing.”

Last year’s record: 12-12

Who’s gone: The loss of Ellen Porter’s passing ability will create a hole in the offense, but Davis said that just means others on the team will need to step up.

Who’s here: Davis is looking for juniors Helena Archer, Ariane Cook and Elise Healy to emerge as leaders, as well as the one senior, Megan McCluskey.

Expectations: Davis said the team is relatively young but still has the experience necessary to really stand out this year. Their sheer power and size will make them a formidable opponent for any school.

East Chapel Hill High

Coach Michelle Wood’s Tigers are a young team; and though they miss some strong leaders from last year’s team, Wood likes the idea of being able to improve every game, and every practice.

“We’re really young. We have a freshman setter and three sophomores,” Wood said. “We’re going to be competitive, but right now we’re still learning each other, still trying to get our kids into the varsity speed of the game.”

Last year’s record: 14-9

Who’s gone: Kayla Austin was the setter for three years before graduating last year. All the hitters had gotten used to her sets and the team will miss her quickness and knowledge of the game.

Who’s here: Wood will need Catherine Weiser and Marisa Iritani to step up and be vocal leaders on the court.

Expectations: Wood said she expects the Tigers to be in the top three or four in their conference, but they do have a chance to exceed beyond those expectations by putting in extra work.

Web Archive

© 2025 The Archive of The Carrboro Citizen | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme