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Highlands Today

Streaks Are 'Totally Committed'

Chris Hoffman/Highlands Today

Sebring senior Riki Albritton provides quickness and athleticism to the defense on the back line for the Blue Streaks.

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By CHRIS HOFFMAN

Highlands Today

Published: August 20, 2008

SEBRING - You'd think Sebring volleyball coach Venessa Sinness would be worried after losing five seniors and another starter from last year's squad, but if you ask her about this year's team, she's all smiles.

"Commitment is the key word for this year," Sinness said. "That is something I don't think we had last year from everyone. We needed girls who were committed to the team and who'd put volleyball first.

"This year, we've got that core group of girls who are as dedicated as any group of girls I've coached."

During the summer, the Blue Streak volleyball team put the commitment of its girls to the test, as the coaches challenged the players to participate in at least 60 percent of the off-season workout sessions at SHS.

Sinness was pleasantly surprised when 20 girls were honored with a "totally committed" T-shirt to symbolize the new chapter in Sebring volleyball.

"We used the summer to get everyone on the same page," said the Sebring head coach. "The seniors really gave the underclassmen a good example to follow during the summer and everyone has bought into the program."

All the girls on the volleyball team had to complete a mile run in less than 7 1/2 minutes to make the team - a feat Sinness hopes will strengthen her team's mental toughness.

"We lost too many games because we weren't there mentally at the end," Sinness said. "We'd get a lead or win the first couple of games and then slack off and lose. I don't want that to happen agains this year, so we've taken steps to really stress mental toughness.

"This team is ready to play."

The core that fuels that Blue Streak volleyball machine are seniors Riki Albritton, Molly Blackman and Hannah Shoop, who, when healthy, are a very dangerous combination for any front line to handle.

Albritton is one of the best back-line defenders in the district, with quickness, athleticism and heart that will be the stabilizing force for the Blue Streaks.

"I have a lot of goals that I still haven't fulfilled here at Sebring," Albritton said. "I want to win the district and hopefully state titles. This team has such a positive attitude that just wasn't there before. We were good last year, but something was missing that didn't allow us to get on that role like we wanted to."

"I love this sport and am grateful to be on this team."

Sinness has been impressed by Albritton's ability to be that vocal leader on and off the court for the Streaks. The example of her leadership has never been more evident than her schooling the underclassman on everything from the fundamentals of a serve or getting on a teammate when she feels that she wasn't giving 100 percent.

"Riki is the floor general out on the court," Sinness said. "She takes charge during practice and gives the girls someone they can emulate and look up to. Her being so vocal makes it easy to help with our communication during our games."

Blackman has been hindered by injuries the past two seasons, but Sinness believes the senior will be an asset at the net this season.

"Molly's determination and will are the key ingredients for her," Sinness said. "She's been beset by injuries the past few years, but when she's healthy, she's one of the best players at the net."

Shoop comes into her senior season with the most to prove, as the weight of the offense rests on her shoulders. Over the summer, Shoop attended several camps and clinics to help her fine-tune her game and her shot has gained more power and is getting more accurate with every practice.

"I think Hannah has benefited the most from the summer workout program," Sinness said. "Her core strength has helped her jump higher and become more consistent on her hitting.

"She's going to be a force to be reckoned with this year."

Sophomore Anna West made a huge splash with the team in her freshman campaign after her transfer from Texas. West will take on an even bigger role this season and with her powerful shot and blocking ability, should team with Shoop as the Blue Streaks top front line weapons.

The influx of newcomers has shown flashes of brilliance on the court, enough to make Albritton stand up and take notice.

"The freshmen have so much potential," Albritton said. "They've impressed me on how hard they work and their hunger to get better."

Junior Brit Augustine has earned the job of setter with her quickness and hard work she's displayed in practice, while being a silent leader for the team. Sophomore Carly Freeland, meanwhile, has the power and the potential to be a force at the net.

With perennial powerhouses DeSoto and Braden River - not to mention Avon Park - in Class 4A-District 10, Sinness understands that the Blue Streaks have a mountain to climb if they want to win district, but also knows that they must do the work now if they're to celebrate in November.

"I think we're a solid team and have a chance to really be great," Sinness said. "I believe in this team, and now it's time to see if they believe in themselves."

Sebring will host a preseason tournament against Lake Placid, Avon Park and Frostproof beginning at 6 p.m. on Aug. 26.

CAMP TOUR ROLLS ON

Four In A Row?

The Lake Placid volleyball team is reloaded for another run at the district title

See THURSDAY'S sports section

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