Jim Ned doesn’t have any returning starters this year after going 17-6 overall and finishing third in District 6-3A with a 6-4 mark in Miranda Garcia’s first year as head coach. Garcia, however, returns five letter winners and is optimistic about the upcoming season.
“Last year we had size and a team that hit the ball hard,” she said. “This year’s team is not as big, but heart makes up for it. They will hustle and give everything they have.”
She listed unity and the ability “to work as one” as the team’s biggest strength.
Outside hitters Kate Bryant (52 kills, 130 assists) and Kambri Smoot (39 kills) will led the Lady Indians’ offense at the net.
“Kate has great hands as a setter and is a threat on the front row as an outside hitter,” Garcia contended. “Kambri is a hard hitter and is tough at the net.”
Defensive specialist Bailey McConnell (61 digs) and libero Taylor Barnes (74 digs) provide experience on the back row for Jim Ned.
“Bailey is a great defensive player that reads the ball well and is a great voice on the court,” Garcia added. “Taylor is a great defender, too. This season will be her first as the varsity libero, and I expect great things from her.”
Jim Ned is hungry to get another shot at the postseason after losing a heartbreaking five-set match against Crane in the bi-district round of the playoffs last year, falling 16-14 in the fifth game.
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