Clarkson-Leigh looking to be better in 2015

Team: Clarkson-Leigh

Mascot: Patriots

Colors: Red, Blue, and Gray

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Becky Schneider (4th season) (23-71 career record)

2014 record: 6-26

Returning Starters: 4


Overview:

The Clarkson-Leigh Patriots are looking for improvement this season after going 6-26 a season ago.

Four starters return for Clarkson-Leigh, and they include Maddie Cerv (5’5” Libero - Senior), Alyssa Novotny  (5’10” Middle - Senior), Kaitlyn Becher (5’6 Setter - Senior), and Shelby Paprocki  (5’9” Outside - Junior).

The good news for the Patriots is three of their four returning starters are seniors.

The not so good news is Clarkson-Leigh doesn't appear to have a whole lot of height outside of Novotony.

The Patriots could definitely be challenged by some of the taller teams on their schedule.

Clarkson-Leigh will also have to make up for the loss of two outside hitters.  

Head Coach Becky Schneider says there are a couple of young players who could make an impact. "There are a couple of freshmen that I am keeping my eye on. They are definitely what I’m looking for in a player! And to be a freshman with such a high level of skill, I am pushing them more to see how far they can go!"

It's always good for a team to have young talent. It may take these freshmen some time to get used to high school volleyball, but if they can make a big impact for the Patriots it will be a good thing for Clarkson-Leigh.

The Patriots definitely need contributions across the board to be a more successful team this season.

Schneider says mental toughness and teamwork are team strengths. "Teamwork as a whole - these girls have played together since they were freshmen and their team bond is solid! I think the mental part of the game has improved from previous years. Over the summer, I saw a lot of good things and being mentally tough was one of them!"

Those are definitely good signs for Clarkson-Leigh, who needs to be as strong as possible this season.

There can't be any hesitation on the part of the Patriots this season. Clarkson-Leigh has to be aggressive, and attack harder than they have in the past.

Digging, serving, serve receiving, passing, hitting, and communicating well is important for the Patriots. 

Clarkson-Leigh has to play as a complete team to be successful this season. The Patriots can't afford to take plays off.

Schneider says a strong summer and freshman class are positives for this team. "It started in the summer! These girls worked extremely hard over the summer to improve their all-around athletic ability. I think having such a large, athletic freshman class, it’s helped our motivation and desire to compete!"

Clarkson-Leigh has to work hard this season. The Patriots can't afford to take anything off. Clarkson-Leigh must treat every point, set, and match with the utmost importance. 

The Patriots can't be scared of anyone they play. It may take some time for these freshmen to adjust, but the upperclassmen should help them along.

I look for Clarkson-Leigh to improve as the season progresses.

I think you will see a completely different team at the end of the season than the beginning of the season.

How successful the Patriots are depends on how quickly their freshman class develops, and how good of leaders the upperclassmen are.

The freshmen and upperclassmen have to push one another to be better so this team can improve on their six wins from a year ago.

I think Clarkson-Leigh has the potential to double their win total from a year ago, or at the very least, reach double digit wins.

I think you could see the Patriots struggle early in the season like they did last year, but look for this team to hit their stride about mid-season.

Season Outlook:

The Clarkson-Leigh Patriots have to feel they have a chance to be better this year than last year given the veterans they return and the talent of the freshman class.

Schneider says the outlook is positive. "We have a solid group of girls not only returning, but upcoming as well! These girls worked hard over the summer and continue to work hard. They definitely have what it takes to compete and they have the desire to win! To be able to work with girls with this much determination, it excites me! It should definitely be a good year!"

Clarkson-Leigh has difficult matches against the likes of Stanton, Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Humphrey St. Francis, and Oakland-Craig.

The schedule isn't too terribly difficult though. The Patriots should have a chance to win some matches this season.

Clarkson-Leigh may be a couple of years away from being real good, but look for the Patriots to have a fair amount of success this season.

This year is important in terms of building for the future and winning now.

How good this team is this year will depend on how well the upperclassmen and freshmen mesh.

Teamwork and mental toughness should be the foundation for success for Clarkson-Leigh. This team has to be aggressive with their swings, and must be strong on defense as well as offense.

Back row play is just as important as front row play. 

If the Patriots can come together as a team they should be able to win some matches this season.

It's hard saying how much winning Clarkson-Leigh will do this season, but I think the Patriots have the potential to win anywhere from 10-12 matches.

That would be a significant improvement for a program that only won six matches a season ago.

Clarkson-Leigh would love to have instant success, but it may not happen for them right away. It takes time for players to mature and develop.

The seniors have to step up and lead by example with it being their final season. 

Projected Starting Lineup:

 

Maddie Cerv - 5’5” Libero - Senior

Alyssa Novotny - 5’10” Middle - Senior

Kaitlyn Becher - 5’6 Setter - Senior

Shelby Paprocki - 5’9” Outside - Junior

Camille Koehn - 5’7” Outside - Senior

Megan Svehla - 5’8” Rightside - Senior

2015 Clarkson-Leigh Patriots Volleyball Schedule:

09/03/15	Stanton	C2
09/03/15	Madison	C1
09/08/15	Lyons-Decatur Northeast	D1
09/15/15	@ Scribner-Snyder	D2
09/17/15	High Plains Community	D1
09/17/15	Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family	C2
09/19-09/19	(To Be Determined)
09/22/15	Twin River	C2
09/26-09/26	(To Be Determined)
09/29/15	Logan View	C1
10/03-10/03	(To Be Determined)
10/06/15	@ Bancroft-Rosalie	D2
10/08/15	@ Humphrey St. Francis	D2
10/10	(To Be Determined)
10/15-10/17	(To Be Determined)
10/20/15	Oakland-Craig	C2
10/22/15	Mead	D2
10/26/15	Pender	D1