First Official Day of Volleyball Practice Exciting for Flyer Players, Coaches
Early Monday morning 12 new members of the Sandhills Community College volleyball team, along with five returnees, began arriving at The Hangar for the first official practice of the 2021 season.
"I was thinking this morning that this is going to be my 13th season and it's like Christmas morning," Lady Flyers Head Coach Alicia Riggan said. "While we've been around the players for open gyms, they are optional, so I can count on one hand the times we've had everybody together in one place.
"They're a little unsure of what's going on, but the coaches have spent a lot of time implementing what we need to work on. These next two weeks of practice are laying the foundation."
An SCC Alumni match is scheduled for Saturday August 14. So far, not including last season's sophomores, 12 former Flyers have indicated they plan to participate. The first regular season match is at home against Lenoir CC on Thursday, August 19.
Because of circumstances related to COVID, the Lady Flyers moved up to Division II last season and compiled an overall record of 16-5. They have now returned to Division III in a Region 10 conference that includes Central Carolina CC, Rockingham CC and Patrick Henry CC.
Setter Camryn Lowe returns for a third season under COVID protocols along with libero Mariah Daffron, setter/right side Mya Mallard and outside hitter Brooke Anne Fryar. Abby Quick, a libero, is also back although she did not see action until the beach volleyball season because of illness.
Fryar is looking to play a larger role after backing up standout sophomores Morrigan Denman and Christen Clontz.
"Honestly, I'm really excited about this season," the product of Ronald Reagan High School says. "We've got some big shoes to fill with all the sophomores we had so I'm ready to work hard."
The freshmen include Keke Lawrence (Lumberton), Amaya Curtis (Voyager Academy), Shelby Hull (Union Pines), Lexi Allen and L'Asia Jackson (Pinecrest), J'Lasia Ray (Hoke County), Aleiah Lowery and Savannah Lowery (St. Pauls), McKenzie Swett, Maddie Harris and Kaitlyn Locklear (Purnell Swett) and Kayla Sadowski (Harnett Central).
A middle hitter, Lawrence played against a number of her new college teammates in high school. She moves into a position shared by two-time All-American Carley Modlin and Alexus McCrimmon, an all-region selection for the Flyers last season.
Two years behind Modlin in high school, Lawrence participated with her in some open gyms at Sandhills.
"She is somebody I look up to because she was a middle hitter," Lawrence said. "Playing against her was something that energized me. I watch her and think this is what I need to do.
"To actually be playing in college, making new friends and just being a part of a team is exciting for me."
Riggan is looking for the volleyball program's largest group of freshman to come in feeling they have a chance to make an immediate an impact. In the past, with a larger sophomore presence, they had more time to learn their roles.
She will be assisted by Kristin Hylton, Lindsay McManamon and Jacob Marley. Before taking the court on Monday, there were a few administrative details to be taken care of.
"There is paperwork, concussion testing and other boxes to check just to get to what we're all excited about which is practicing, being together and getting to share a passion we all enjoy," the coach said.
C. Bergmann