From the Sports Desk

with Carey Phillips: 11/16/00

The Lady Mustangs posted a 21-6 record marking the program's most wins since the state championship season of 1993. SM won its first Western Athletic Conference title and playoff match since 1996.

"It was an outstanding year," Coach Cindi Simmons said. "This was a group very deserving of everything that came their way. They worked very hard to improve in the off season both individually and as a team. They made the commitment to improve after the playoff game the year before. All the success they had is a reflection of their hard work."

This was one of the most experienced teams the Lady Mustangs have fielded in some time. Not only were there seven seniors, but five of them have been on the varsity since they were sophomores.

"There was a lot of talent in this senior class," Simmons said. "In terms of quality and quantity together, this is one of the strongest classes we've ever had."

The coach said having that experience was a factor in this year's success.

"You can't duplicate the experience they had the opportunity to gain the past few years," she said. "That really showed down the stretch and in tight situations."

Simmons said the stage for this year's success was set following a loss to North Surry in the opening round of the playoffs last season.

"They felt they weren't going to be satisfied in the future just making the playoffs," she said. "They wanted to be competitive in playoff matches. They also didn't want to come in second place in the conference. That's what pushed them in their off season work."

With the experience and talent, the Lady Mustangs were expected to do well. They didn't disappoint.

"My expectations were high," Simmons acknowledged. "I felt if we stayed healthy and focused and played to the best of our ability, good things would happen."

The ability of these players to get along and work well together meant almost as much to the team's success as did the talent.

"Obviously there was talent, but talent alone doesn't necessarily mean success," Simmons said. "This group had great chemistry. It wasn't just with the six on the court playing. It was the whole group. Our practices were the most competitive I can remember in a long time. I felt that was instrumental in our team's performance."

The highlight of the year was a win at Franklin. Even though it was just the third conference match of the season, the victory was huge because it came over the preseason favorite to repeat as league champions as well as an arch rival.

"That was a springboard for the rest of the season," the coach said. "They had to fight to win that match."

Simmons was especially pleased the Lady Mustangs went undefeated in the WAC. This was the first time they won the title since Enka and Tuscola became league members.

"This was a team whose players took on different roles," Simmons said. "The way they accepted those roles helped the team reach its potential. They were a very unselfish group and were always looking out for what was best for the team. They were able to stay focused and not let distractions affect their play. This is very unique for a group of girls to be able to do this."

Seniors included Kaitlin Ritchie, Lindsey Lewis, Tara Green, Melissa Collins, Abbey Higgins, Amanda Magruder, Cassie Proffitt and Tabitha Ashe. Ritchie, Lewis, Green, Collins and Magruder were in their third season with the varsity.

Ritchie capped off her career by being named conference player of the year after leading the team in kills.

"Kaitlin developed into a dominating middle hitter," Simmons said. "Not only does she hit with power, but her placement of the ball kept defenses off guard. She showed the ability to at times take over games, and she was also a solid back row player."

Lewis earned all-conference honors while being the team's leading blocker.

"A good team needs two strong middle hitters, and we had that with Lindsey," the coach said. "She was a power hitter with the uncanny ability to read the defense and tip the ball for kills. Her timing in reading the opposing hitters made her an outstanding blocker."

Like Ritchie and Lewis, Green was selected all-conference for the third straight season.

"Tara's quickness and hustle gave her the ability to not only get to balls that appeared to be down but also to make good passes out of them," Simmons said. "She was all over the court and made things happen for us. She gave us a solid option as an outside power hitter to keep defenses off balance."

Collins, Higgins and Magruder played on the Biltmore Volleyball Club during the off-season. Collins was chosen all-conference while Higgins and Magruder received honorable mention.

"Along with being a very good setter, Melissa is a very versatile player," the coach said. "She was our lead server and a good hitter. She brought her game up to a different level this season."

"Abbey was a good setter and serve receiver," Simmons said. "Her work in the off-season helped make her a solid player for us. When given the opportunity, she could come through with big hits. She displayed a lot of heart in practice and games."

"Amanda brought energy with her when she went on the court," the coach said. "She's a strong competitor and a very determined player. She was solid with her serve receiving and passing. Her ability to read where the ball was going to be hit allowed her to neutralize many of the opponents' key hitters."

Proffitt was the team's leading server at 94.9 percent.

"Cassie was a consistent server," Simmons said. "She provided a spark from the back row with her serve receiving and passing ability. When the opportunity arose for her to be on the front row, she was capable of playing the outside hitter position."

"Tabitha was a good hitter and really improved her blocking skills as the season progressed," the coach said.

Juniors included Katie Loughlin, Christry Pruett, Amber Stephens, Shay Shular and Dorothy Keane.

"Katie was a very pleasant surprise," Simmons said. "She has all-around volleyball skills. In some of our key matches, she helped put us over the top. She will be the most experienced returnee next year."

"Christy improved with her hitting, passing and placement of the ball," the coach said. "We'll be counting on her next year to step up and play a key role."

"Amber has a great touch on the ball as a setter and is an excellent server," Simmons said.

"Shay was our spirit with her emotion every day in practice," the coach said. "She has great passing skills."

"Dorothy improved with her hitting, and she really came on as a strong blocker at the end of the year," Simmons said.

Next year will have a different look. Not only will seven seniors be gone, but the Lady Mustangs will move into the Mountain Athletic Conference. Two-time defending state champion East Henderson along with North Buncombe, Asheville and Roberson will join WAC holdovers SM, Franklin, Erwin, Enka and Tuscola in the nine-team league.

"Losing that many seniors, there will be a lot of opportunity for people to step up," Simmons said. "It will be a very strong volleyball conference, especially with the addition of East Henderson. We look forward to the challenge."

The returning juniors will be joined by some key players moving up from the JVs coached by Nikki Young and Melissa Hill.

"Nikki and Melissa are very important to our program," Simmons said. "They did the JVs and helped with the varsity. Their contribution to the program is very valuable. I appreciate it, and the kids benefit from it."

Simmons expressed appreciation to the parents, fans, school staff, faculty and administration, and the cheerleaders and their coach, Kim Buchanan, for support given throughout the year.

Back to Sports: 11/16/00.