Competition driving Hawks as volleyball season begins

MONTGOMERY, Ala.  – The Huntingdon volleyball team enters the 2017 season with a team of mostly freshmen and sophomores.

But head coach Latonia Brady is encouraged by the competition she has seen in the preseason and the depth that has developed.

Despite having just one senior and one junior, Brady believes the Hawks have the talent and potential to put together an exciting season.

Huntingdon opens the season this weekend in the Music City Classic in Nashville. Huntingdon will play Lakeland on Friday at 4 p.m. On Saturday, the Hawks are scheduled to play Wartburg at 10 a.m. and Lakeland at noon.

Head Coach Latonia Brady on starting the season: "We are very excited to get started.  Our talent level has skyrocketed from the previous two seasons with our incoming freshmen.  The depth we have right now at several positions has escalated the caliber of our practice sessions. 

"Our gym finally has the competitive nature we have been waiting for.  We have several different lineups that we can use and it is going to be fun figuring out the pieces as the season progresses in terms of who matches up best with the team across the net."

Brady on the team's progress since the start of the preseason: "As young as we are, our progress is daily. Our focus is mental toughness, communication and consistency.  Every day the coaching staff takes a good long hard look at what our focus should be in the upcoming session. 

"We are able to stat practices and see what changes need to be made offensively and defensively and the girls are able to have a clear picture of where they stand in their position ranking. This enables them to see their weaknesses and focus on those to work to earn playing time.  Our goal is to peak in November and figuring out how to grow in maturity as individual volleyball players and as a team each day."

Brady on the Music City Classic: "Honestly, the competition is going to be high caliber this weekend.  We are excited to focus on improving our setter- hitter connections as well as understanding the importance of defense against two impressive offensive teams. This weekend is about mental toughness against quality competition."