Lady Mustangs will scrimmage Aug. 5
MARBLE FALLS — Fans can get their first glimpse of the 2011 Marble Falls High School volleyball team Aug. 5.
The Lady Mustangs scrimmage in the Marble Falls Middle School gyms, 1511 Pony Circle Drive.
IN PHOTO: Technique, technique, technique. Marble Falls High School volleyball coaches are emphasizing technique and defense throughout the week. The Lady Mustangs go through conditioning drills and weight workouts in the mornings and use their afternoons to do court work. They begin with defensive drills, serves, serve-receive and other parts of the sport. In addition, players are participating in leadership building and team bonding exercises. Staff photos by Jennifer Fierro
Marble Falls will face Llano at 3 p.m. and finish the event against Hyde Park at 6:30 p.m. and Fredericksburg at 7:15 p.m.
Head coach Julie Downs said she has been encouraged by the way her players are approaching two-a-day practices, especially in the mornings when conditioning has been the priority.
On the first day, players carried 5-pound weights as they hopped and ran for a few meters.
“I’m really excited about the kids who are here,” Downs said.
Marble Falls will play at Liberty Hill High School, 13125 Texas 29 in Liberty Hill, for a scrimmage Aug. 6. The Lady Mustangs will face the Lady Panthers at 8 a.m., Del Valle at 9:55 a.m. and Manor at 11:40 a.m.
Several athletes participated in a recent advanced camp conducted by Schreiner University coach Phillip White and Emily Downs, the coach’s daughter.
In addition, many players competed in volleyball tournaments during the summer, including playing on beach volleyball courts.
Downs said she received text messages from some players at 5 a.m. to let her know they had finished second at a Seguin benefit tournament.
Fourteen freshmen came on the first day, which was down from what the coach expected. Five players moved with their families, she said.
Still, coaches remain more than optimistic about the 2011 season.
“We’re fired up,” Downs said. “They looked great in camp, they’re working hard.”