By By BRUCE HIXON – Sports Editor
They have no seniors. They are coming off a three-win season. They have a new skipper who has never coached the sport before.
While the W.S. Neal Lady Blue Eagles volleyball team has some obvious obstacles to overcome this season, one would never know it through head coach Chuck Riddle's enthusiasm level.
The Lady Blue Eagles mentor said having a team without seniors is not all bad, at least for this year.
Do not be fooled by the Lady Blue Eagles' youth. Most of their projected starting lineup either started or saw considerable playing time last year.
W.S. Neal returns both of its setters, 5-4 junior Jessica Fountain and 5-4 junior Erica Cardwell.
Molly Carlson, a 5-6 sophomore, may also get some varsity time as a setter.
W.S. Neal also has experience in the middle hitter position with 5-11 sophomore Maggie Crutchfield. Crutchfield started in a hitting role last year as a freshman.
While Crutchfield gives W.S. Neal experience at one middle spot, the other middle position has a new face with the addition of 5-9 sophomore Jessica Lambert.
W.S. Neal also experience on the outside hitter spots. Katelin Hulley, a 5-7 junior, returns at one of those positions. Jamica Thomas, a 5-8 junior who has mainly played specialist roles the last two years, will probably see some time on the outside. Caitlyn Blackman, a 5-6 freshman, also figures to get considerable work as an outside hitter.
See LADY EAGLES Page 6
work ethic. She isn't that big for the outside, but she is a smart player."
One puzzle Riddle is trying to solve in the early going is how he will get enough work for his remaining players.
As far as on the court is concerned, Riddle said his team's biggest obstacle is composure.
W.S. Neal Lady Blue Eagles Volleyball Schedule
Aug. 25 Central Home (JV 4:30 p.m./V 5:30 p.m.)
Aug. 30 Home tri-match with Thomasville/T.R. Miller 5 p.m.
Sept. 1 Home tri-match with Flomaton/Clarke County (JV 4:30 p.m./V 5:30 p.m.)
Sept. 8 Home tri-match with Escambia County and Opp 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 T.R. Miller Away (JV only 4:30 p.m.)
Sept. 13 Flomaton Away (JV 4:30 p.m./V 5:30 p.m.)
Sept. 15 Monroe County Home 5 p.m.
Sept. 19 Central Away (JV 4 p.m./V 5 p.m.)
Sept. 20 Escambia County Away 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 Northview Home (JV 4:30 p.m./V 5:30 p.m.)
Sept. 27 Thomasville Away 4 p.m.
Sept. 29 Tri-match at T.R. Miller with Monroe County 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 Escambia County (HS) Tournament
Oct. 3 Opp Away (JV 4 p.m./V 5 p.m.)
Oct. 6 Clarke County Away 5 p.m.
Oct. 11 Jay Away (JV 4 p.m./V 5 p.m.)
Oct. 13 Jay Home (JV 4:30 p.m./V 5:30 p.m.)
Oct. 15 Escambia County Tournament at T.R. Miller
Oct. 17 Area Tournament at Clarke County