Rams show improvement

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Standard School Rams girls volleyball program has shown a lot of determination in their matches this season and glimpses of it were visible in the Strathmore tournament this past weekend on Oct.31 and Nov. 1.
“I would say we started out with some pretty raw talent, some kids that are really keen, wanting to be there, easy to coach and we’ve been working really hard on basic skills that they didn’t have,” said Rams coach Susan Moncks.
“So lots of repetition, drills and lots of things to get them able to play the game. I would say in the last two tournaments we’ve attended, the kids have really shown what they’re capable of playing. Even today (Nov.1), when we played Strathmore, the kids actually held their own and looked like a unit.”
Moncks believes that her team does have a strong core group and if some players commit themselves, then they are only going to get better.
“There are a few players that maybe lost a little bit of spirit because it’s their first year and they’re not playing as much, which will make it hard for next year, if they decide to quit. The only way you can build a program is to keep kids coming back,” said Moncks.
She has also admired some of the leadership qualities from her older players that have been on the team for a while.
“I’ve got a good core group of kids that are really enthused about being there and learning the game and wanting to get better and I have three Grade 12’s who have been with me since Grade 9. Their skills and leadership have a brought the team a long way and there’s a lot of kids really looking up to them,” said Moncks.
“I have a Grade 10 setter that didn’t do a lot of setting last year, a taller girl who has great potential and is starting to really get into a groove setting and I think if she continues to play in the next two years, you’re going to see some outstanding play.”
Some of the players on the team have played other sports and that has helped the Rams along immensely in each set, with knowing what’s happening from set to set.
“I see that from our own kids playing other team sports, being able to see what’s coming next is so much a part of volleyball,” said Moncks.
The Rams noticeably need to work on being more communicative on the court as some points are lost as a result of non-communication.
“That’s something we have to work on, we don’t do a lot of talking and we’re a pretty quiet bunch,” said Moncks.
After not qualifying for the playoff round in the SHS tournament, the team is preparing for the regionals, which will take place on Nov. 15-16.