Cougars are turning up the heat
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Drive and desire are two words Coach Yvonne Burhoop uses to describe the members of the 2003 Centre High School volleyball team.
Known as a "hard-driver," she said girls who come out for the team know how to work hard.
"They come out because they want to play and improve," Burhoop said.
Of the 14 players, five are letter winners.
The 5'9" senior Laura Klenda is the tallest player and the best hitter. Coach Burhoop said she needs towork on her consistency. Klenda was an All-Eisenhower league selection last season.
Raschelle Jirak, a 5'4" senior, is the best server on the team, according to the coach.
"She does whatever I ask," Burhoop said.
Jill Fenske, a 5'3" junior, "is shorter but has a good vertical jump and is an intense player," Burhoop said.
Junior Brianne Stahlecker also was a starter last year, and, at 5'1", she's the No. 1 setter according to her coach.
Klenda's sister Jackie, a 5'5" sophomore, was a provisional letter winner last year and is expected to help the team both offensively and defensively.
Senior Amanda Klieber, 5'2", will provide additional experience and assistance to the Cougars in 2003.
Burhoop expects the seven freshmen on the team's roster to see varsity time.
"They have a lot of learning to do, but they are athletic and have a lot of talent," she said.
Burhoop said she is uncertain how the season will play out. She said she hopes the team will finish in the upper half of the league. The team finished last season with a record of 10 wins and15 losses.
Despite last year's losing season, Burhoop remains optimistic about the season, despite its uncertainties.
"A young team with drive and the desire to work hard can produce a lot of wins," she said.
