South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Oakville High girls’ volleyball team focused on building off success of last year’s squad

Head coach Morgan Lucas believes the 2009 Oakville Senior High School girls volleyball team has the makings to get to state. Bill Milligan photo
Head coach Morgan Lucas believes the 2009 Oakville Senior High School girls’ volleyball team has ‘the makings to get to state.’ Bill Milligan photo

As the Oakville Senior High School girls’ volleyball team enters the 2009 season, the Tigers are focused on building off the success of last year’s squad.

The Tigers were 29-7 overall and tied for the Suburban West Conference champion-ship with a 7-1 record in league play.

“We really feel like we have the makings to get to state,” Oakville head coach Morgan Lucas said. “I feel like last year we relied on Lauren Sazama too much and when she got hurt, we then had to look to other players.

“But we’ve got five to six girls that are good athletes and in the long run, that should pay off for us.”

Senior middle hitter Sam Haegele returns to the lineup after recording a team-leading 44 aces, 233 kills, 139 blocks and 82 digs last year.

“Sam is such a hard worker,” Lucas said. “She does a great job blocking and is definitely going to be a senior leader for us.”

Outside hitter Molly Kovacich returns for her senior season after recording 31 aces, 82 kills, 29 blocks and 261 digs last season.

“We look for Molly to fill that primary outside hitter role for us this season,” Lucas said. “Her hitting and serving has improved a lot in the off-season.”

Another senior outside hitter on the roster is Jenny Schanzle, who amassed 38 kills, 14 blocks and 75 digs as a junior.

Senior setter Emma Brydels also will return to the lineup after leading Oakville with 539 assists last season. Brydels also recorded 35 aces, 193 kills, 42 blocks and 252 digs during the 2008 campaign.

“Emma runs a quick offense and is another huge asset to our team,” Lucas said. “She knows how to put the ball away and put up big blocks.”

At right-side hitter is senior Lexi Cibulka, who put up a total of 205 kills last season. Cibulka also racked up 75 blocks and 28 digs in 2008.

“When Lexi goes up, she really puts the ball away,” Lucas said. “She and the rest of the seniors know that this is their last shot at getting to state.”

Oakville Girls’ Volleyball

Date Opponent Site Time

Sept. 3 Seckman H 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 4 Visitation H 5:15 p.m.

Sept. 8 Lafayette H 5:15 p.m.

Sept. 12 L. Endicott/Willard Tourney A TBA

Sept. 15 Farmington H 6 p.m.

Sept. 17-19 Meramec Tourney A TBA

Sept. 22 Kirkwood A 5 p.m.

Sept. 24 Jackson H 6 p.m.

Sept. 25 Marquette H 5:15 p.m.

Sept. 30 McCluer North A 5 p.m.

Oct. 1 Lindbergh A 5 p.m.

Oct. 6 Parkway South A 5 p.m.

Oct. 7 Notre Dame H 5 p.m.

Oct. 9 Incarnate Word A 6 p.m.

Oct. 13 Northwest H 5 p.m.

Oct. 15 Mehlville A 5 p.m.

Oct. 17 Festus Tournament A TBA

Oct. 23 Ursuline A 5 p.m.

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