Burnet volleyball gets a very early start for the 2015 season

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

BURNET — The Burnet High School volleyball team began fall training camp in a unique way.

The Lady Dawgs’ first practice of the 2015 season occurred at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 3 at The Doghouse in a celebratory Midnight Madness lock-in. The players practiced until 3 a.m. then slept until 7 a.m. After they woke up, they ate a light breakfast then had another two-hour practice.

Since that first day, the Lady Dawgs have played in two two-hour workouts a day.

Head coach Salye Coles commended her athletes for their drive and willingness to partake in some challenging workouts during the week.

She noted she has watched a determination to continue the program’s success and the leadership and team unity among the players that has a key role in the season’s success.

The coach said she hasn’t had to spend a lot of time getting the players physically ready for the season.

“They came in in fantastic shape,” she said. “Best conditioned kids I have had in years. They just keep impressing me.”

Among important traits for players is their willingness to be corrected. Coles said the Lady Dawgs have been receptive to being coached. And she couldn’t name just one player who stands out.

She started with middle blocker Jill Rosow and outside hitter Madison Hall, who “are playing smart and are executing play extremely well.”

Then Coles went to setters Kasey Taylor and Sami Hogan, who “are putting the ball where it needs to be so that the hitters can be successful.”

Sophomore Marisa Escamilla “is proving to be a huge factor on the outside,” the coach said. “Kaygen Floyd is doing a great job filling the open middle blocker spot.”

Defensive specialists Samantha Edwards, a senior, and Lexey Parker, a junior, are playing key roles and senior Kylah Arnold and junior Kellie Giddeon are performing well on the right side, Coles added.

“I can’t just pick one or two key players,” she said. “These kids work together so well. They are super fun to watch and to coach.”

The Lady Dawgs travel to Glen Rose for a scrimmage Aug. 7 and Gatesville for another scrimmage Aug. 8.

At Glen Rose High School, 901 Stadium Drive, Burnet will face Clifton at 9:35 a.m., Mineral Wells at 10:10 a.m., Dublin at 11:20 a.m., Waco University at 11:55 a.m. and the host school at 1:05 p.m.

At Gatesville High School, 205 S. Lovers Lane, the Lady Dawgs face the host school at 10 a.m. and Killeen Harker Heights at 10:45 a.m.

jfierro@thepicayune.com