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Burnet volleyball starts two-a-days with 2013 playoff loss as motivator

Burnet High School senior hitter Sarah Poe steps into a serve to make a pass during a Lady Dawgs volleyball team two-a-day practice. Staff photos by Jennifer Fierro

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

BURNET — A four-set loss to Glen Rose in the first round of the playoffs last season is a driving factor for the Burnet High School volleyball team as the Lady Dawgs began two-a-days Aug. 4.

“We look good. We really look good,” head coach Salye Coles said. “I was really impressed by what I saw from them. They’ve grown mentally. They’ve become more competitive.”

Coles, who enters her second year at the helm, said the confidence of her players has been on display. And that has fueled their inner desire to have a better season in 2014.

The Lady Dawgs welcome back senior outside hitter Sarah Poe, who suffered a knee injury that forced her to miss much of the volleyball season and all of basketball last year.

“She is competing. She is showing great leadership ability,” the coach said. “I think she is a girl on a mission. She knows exactly what we’re capable of.”

Burnet High School junior hitter Makenzie Carpenter passes the ball to a setter.
Burnet High School junior hitter Makenzie Carpenter passes the ball to a setter.

Other returners include junior hitter Madison Hall, junior setter Kasey Taylor, senior libero Danielle Lindley and junior middle blocker Jill Rosow.

“Madison really grew into a competitive player,” Coles said. “Jill grew into a competitive player. Kasey became athletic as a setter. Danielle is another who impressed me. Last year, she was more of a defensive player. This year, I’m looking at her as being an all-around player.”

Coles said part of the success of this season will be determined by the players’ chemistry away from the gymnasium.

“They’re friends,” Coles said. “That friendship is carrying over onto the court. They want each other to succeed. They’re fun to watch and be around. It’s exciting.”

The Lady Dawgs made their return to the postseason in 2013 after a two-year hiatus.

The coach said she believes 2014 would be successful because of the conversations she heard after the loss to Glen Rose.

“We were all in the locker room already excited about next year,” Coles said. “When you’re at the end of your season and your kids don’t want it to be over and they’re talking about the future, it doesn’t get any better than that. Kids wanted to keep playing. That’s how they came into two-a-days.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com