In coach Margie Washnock’s second season, Ligonier Valley volleyball has bigger goals

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, September 24, 2017 | 5:48 PM

After being away from coaching volleyball for close to three decades, Ligonier Valley coach Margie Washnock had to adjust to the rules and game play last season in her return.

This season, Washnock said she believes she has a better grasp of the team and the game to have a more successful second season.

In her first season, Washnock led the Rams to a 12-6 record, and their season ended after a 3-0 loss to Westmont Hilltop in the first round of the District 6 playoffs.

“Last year, we had a pretty solid season. It was a first year of coaching so I feel like they carried me last year,” she said. “It was a solid team, and I was learning a lot. It's better for me since I know the girls a little bit better. I know the process a little bit better.

“The game changed, and I had a lot to learn about the game. The basic rules are different than they were 28 years ago and how to handle practicing.”

At the midway point of the season, the Rams are 6-1, with its only loss a 3-0 setback to Northern Cambria in the season opener Sept. 5. The Rams are eager to avenge the loss — 25-22, 25-21, 25-13 — when the teams meet again Thursday at Northern Cambria.

“I think they learned to be confident,” Washnock said. “They really played them well. We had a little trouble serving that night, which to me was the difference in the match. We defended them pretty well, which we worked on defense.

“Offensively, we struggled a little bit because our serves were a little off, and I think we are in a better place with that right now. I really think we will have a really good match with them.”

The Rams are led by senior middle hitter and captain Rachel Horrell and senior libero Autumn Gaynor, who is playing her first varsity season.

“(Horrell) is solid and a really good captain,” Washnock said. “She has a lot to do with why we are playing the way we are playing right now.”

Even though Ligonier Valley has won its last six matches, Washnock has noticed a difference in this year's team makeup as they look to replace three graduated seniors: libero Catou Cmar, setter Sarah Marsh and defender Sarah Markosky.

“It has been a struggle to get the same solid play, and the team has a bit of a different chemistry this year,” Washnock said.

“They don't play as solid or clean of the game, but they just don't quit. They stick together. They are such a tight-knit group that they help each other get through tough times. They complement each other real well.”

Kirsten Smith and Ellie Stewart join Horrell and Gaynor are the Rams' other seniors, and juniors Abby Neidbalson, Abby Cmar and Kyleigh Jester as well as sophomore Jenna Moore look to replace the production of the graduated trio. MacKenzee Jester is a returning letter winner who serves as a utility player.

Neidbalson leads the Rams in assists, including 23 assists against Blairsville and 14 assists and 14 services points against Purchase Line.

Jester had 15 service points and Gaynor 17 points in a win over Marion Center. Smith had 11 kills and 10 service points in the match against Blairsville.

Before they face Northern Cambria, the Rams will face West Shamokin, the defending Heritage Conference champion, Tuesday.

“We are going to focus on getting back to the basics and playing clean, solid volleyball,” Washnock said. “We are going to try to cut down our mistakes. I feel like it's a game of mistakes.

“I think the team who makes the fewer mistakes is going to win. I think we can do it. I think it's going to be a five-game match. I don't think it's going to be an easy three-game match. We have to be ready to work hard.”

Andrew John in a freelance writer.

Tags: Ligonier Valley