Ready! Set! Go!
By Sam Waller
Albany Lady Lions volleyball coach M.J. Reneau greeted 21 players for the team’s opening workout Monday, July 31 to begin preparations for the upcoming season.
The Lady Lions conducted four days of two-a-day practices before hosting Benjamin for a scrimmage at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4.
With a wealth of returning experience, Reneau said the Lady Lions were able to quickly get into the swing of things during the first workout.
“We were able to jump into some game-like situations Monday,” she said. “I’ve had these girls since they were in eighth grade, and they already have a tournament under their belt from AYSA, so I just felt like we were a step ahead.”
Reneau said the players were ready to get to work.
“The girls knew what the expectation was,” she said. “I wasn’t explaining any kind of warmup to them. It was ‘let’s get out there and get ready for our season.’”
Albany finished the 2022 season with a 24-8 record and a share of the District 6-2A championship. Back from that team are five seniors – middle blocker Kiana Roberson, outside hitters Callan Edgar and Braylyn Abbate, libero Robin Lucas, and defensive specialist Brooklyn Abbate. Also returning are juniors Caroline Holson (middle blocker) and Abi Hale (setter) and sophomore outside hitter Caroline Chapman.
“Eight of 10 on our varsity team are back this year,” Reneau said. “It’s been pretty good, an easy transition.”
Moving up from JV are senior outside hitter Emily Schedule and sophomore Mimi Ivy.
“Mimi is just kind of everywhere,” Reneau said. “She can set, she can hit, she can play defense. She can sub in where needed.”
Following Friday’s scrimmage, the Lady -Lions return to the court at noon Saturday, Aug. 5 when they scrimmage at Breckenridge.
The season opener will be at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 at Breckenridge. The Lady Lions will then host the Albany Summer Slam tournament Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 10-12.
“We need to get as many reps as we can and work on our team chemistry,” Reneau said of the opening week. “We just need to get back into volleyball shape.”
