Team chemistry headlines volleyball goals

By Brodee Gillam

Sports Editor

The LCC volleyball Stars had a roster filled with raw talent that put up great stats during the 2016 season. However, because of team chemistry issues or otherwise, that talent did not turn into the only statistic that matters: wins.

The Stars finished the year with a 14-21 overall record.

Even with only four returning sophomores, LCC Head Coach Emily Quintero said she has a good feeling about this season's team.

"Two-thirds of our team is incoming freshmen, which means it's a huge learning curve for us," Quintero said. "But I'm expecting … greatness out of them. We have a lot of talent and we're very versatile and we're really excited to use that on the court."

Captains had not been named yet as of Aug. 24, but Quintero said she sees all four returnees leading the team this season. The four sophomores are setter Brianna Mohn, right side hitter Samantha Stanton, libero McKenzie Kench and middle hitter Kaycee Richmond.

"All four of the sophomores coming back; they have established themselves as leaders," Quintero said. "They are ready for change and ready for something great. So they've all really put their best foot forward to make this (a) team as best they can."

The leadership of the sophomores shows in freshman libero Erin Cooper, who has already set high expectations for this season.

"My expectations for the team is just pushing the bar one game at a time," Cooper said. "Not necessarily looking at long term goals, just one game at a time."

The Stars were scheduled to play on Aug. 24 against Grand Rapids CC and will play on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at home against Muskegon CC at 6:30 p.m.