Team chemistry is a trait the Centreville High School girls volleyball team has established in the early going of the 2013 season.
“They know their roles, embrace them, and do what they can to benefit the team in any capacity,” fourth-year head coach Melissa Gales said. “They put in a lot of time this offseason to improve their skills individually and as a team. I look forward to seeing them every day and helping in this fun adventure this season.”
The Bulldogs aren’t incredibly deep, but several key athletes from last year’s squad have improved and come together again to form a solid backbone, including Bailey May, a do-it-all athlete who earned an All-SJV honorable mention last season.
“She is an all around great volleyball player who serves, passes, hits and blocks well,” Gales said. “She knows the game and does it well.”
Senior Charity Yeager and junior Jenna Beeker are back as defensive specialists, and sophomore setter Madison Hunter is ready to guide the offense in her first year on varsity. Gales believes Mattie Kirby, another varsity rookie, will be a “powerhouse hitter and leader on the court.”
“With Bronson and Mendon our league is always tough,” Gales said. “Not to mention Tony Hooley always puts together a great, hardworking [White Pigeon] team. We look forward to bringing our best to the court each time we play. As these girls learn to play together, I know their hard work and determination will pay off. In just the short time [so far] this season, they have already shown me their desire to be competitive.”
CENTREVILLE BULLDOGS
Coach: Melissa Gales (4th year)
2012 recap: Finished fourth in the St. Joseph Valley league and lost to Schoolcraft in the first round of districts.
Key players in 2013: Bailee May (So., MH), Charity Yeager (Sr., DS), Jenna Beeker (Jr., DS), Madison Hunter (So., S), Mattie Kirby (Jr., OH).