Matalee Keele enters her senior season as a key leader for the Lady Champs and a major offensive contributor. (Post Photos by Chris Siers)
Sydney Neal aims to be one of the offensive workhorses for Cascade this season. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
The Cascade volleyball team hasn’t been around for a long time, but are starting to come into form under second-year coach Megan O’Rouke.
From countless hours spent in the gym over the summer, to playing in big tournaments in club-level volleyball, the Lady Champs feel like they have the needed experience and key players to take the program to the next level.
“I feel like the girls are a lot more rehearsed in all their skills. A lot of them went and played club volleyball and that has really grown their skills,” O’Rourke said.
In just one year from her first season at the helm with Cascade, O’Rourke said she’s seen the team grow closer together, but also hone in on key skills needed to be more competitive this season.
“We just gel really well together. I feel like our communication is really good, our serving is pretty good and our hitting has improved since last year,” she said.
O’Rourke expects big things from several key players, highlighted by senior Matalee Keele.
“I’m really excited about Matalee Keele. She’s our senior. she’s an outside. Our setter, Maleah, is a junior. She’s just overall really great,” she said.
O’Rourke is also expecting second-year player Kyleigh Sloan to make her impact for the Lady Champs as well.
“Kyleigh Sloan just started volleyball last year and is really making a name in the program,” O’Rourke said.
Last season, Central Magnet ran away with the district title and forged a path to the Class 2A state sectional.
While the Lady Tigers were the clear district leader a season ago, O’Rourke thinks this year might shape up for a more competitive district with a more even playing field.
“I feel like the district is a lot more even. Last year, we had a really stellar Central Magnet team, but I think it’s a little more of an even playing field this year,” she said.
All summer long, the Lady Champs have focused on one of their key team goals of winning the district title.
“We’ve been talking about it all summer. The girls, especially the seniors, are ready to go,” O’Rourke said.
