Preview: Elkhart Lady Elks Volleyball

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

ELKHART – The Elkhart Lady Elks are looking to make some noise in their new district according to Volleyball Coach Brandi McEnturff.

“We have six returners so we had five to six holes to fill,” the coach said.

Concerning the team’s strengths, McEnturff said, “I think you will see our hitters step up. WE have two junior hitters who have some experience now. They will step up and we’re kind of playing with them across the front of the net to see where we can get some different attacks from to open up some opportunities.”

As to the weaknesses, she indicated the lack of depth and replacing the players lost to graduation would be hindrance but one which could be overcome as the season progresses.

“The biggest weakness as a team – right now – would be the communication part and learning who we are playing beside, what they’re good at and what they like,” she said.

The Lady Elks will be in District 20-3A along with: the Buffalo Lady Bison; the Crockett Lady Bulldogs; the Frankston Maidens; the Groesbeck Lady Goats; the Westwood Lady Panthers; and the Teague Lady Lions.

As to her chances in district competition, McEnturff said she felt confident the team “… would finish pretty high. I don’t want to short change any of the other teams. Several of the district teams have some holes they need to fill. For the most part, we will be very competitive. My hopes are we will finish in the top two. We have some goals, so we’ll see what happens.”

Players to watch for include: Madison Crader; Rylee Reeves; Laci McEnturff; and Ashlyn Mattern.

“I think everyone is going to be surprised, as a whole. I think you’re going to see a lot of the kids step up from in the past,” she said.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].