Host Tigers top Pirate spikers

Compiled by Aaron Kirchoff, Sports Editor, Greensburg Daily News

The Greensburg volleyball squads traveled to Lawrenceburg on Thursday with the reserve squad returning with a victory.

In the varsity match, the host Tigers prevailed in three games 25-18, 25-18, 25-20.

The Pirates drop to 2-11 on the season and 1-4 in the EIAC.

Passing again was the key to the game.

"I know I say this week after week, but once our passing gets better, we will become a dominant team. We have one of the strongest offensive lines in this area, and have the ability to attack from any position on the court with dominating speed. Unfortunately, we have been unable to show it off in a game situation because of our passing," noted Pirate head coach Randy Obermeyer. "It's not just us, though. Passing in this area of the state has suffered for many years. It''''s one of the hardest skills to teach, and one of the most difficult to learn, and it's also one skill that takes more time to master. The biggest problem we, and other teams, face when it comes to passing is that there isn't enough focus on it during practice. Too much practice time is focused on hitting, but until you can pass to the target consistently, teams are wasting their time on hitting drills.

"We focus a great deal of time practicing passing, and the girls get tired of it, because it isn't as much fun as hitting. With the hard work and effort that these girls put forth, we will become the best passing team in this area in due time," added Obermeyer.

  In junior varsity action, the Pirates dominated the match at 25-21, 25-16 to earn their first EIAC win of the season. The Pirates are now 2-8 on the season and 1-4 in the EIAC.

A great passing Greensburg team stepped onto the Tiger's home court and refused to let anything hit the floor. Coach Andrea Wynn commented on being very pleased with all of their efforts in securing the win.

Kylie Hanmer led the team in passing as she passed on serve received eight times and added six digs all without error. Also passing for Diana Edmundson seemed easy as she passed six on serve receive and five digs with only one error. Amber Leitgabel led in the attack with four kills. She also tied in aces with April Faulconer at four each.

The freshman Pirates (4-4) were defeated in two games 25-18, 25-22.

A more advanced serve receive formation was used for the first time in a freshman game this season and it may have played with their minds a little too much according to Coach Brian Dodson.

"The experience that we gained from this game will help us next weekend as we play Lawrenceburg in the first game of the EIAC tournament," noted Dodson.

Erica Schwering led the team in serving going 6-for-9, followed by Krista Sexton at 5-for-8.
 

Click here to see photographs of the Greensburg vs. Lawrenceburg volleyball game.