Pekin volleyball continues conference climb

Ashley Bartels took over the Pekin volleyball team two years ago with one goal in mind: to lead the Panthers to the top of the Southeast Iowa Superconference.

The Panthers aren?t quite there yet, but they?re headed in the right direction after showing improved records in each of their two seasons under Bartels. The Panthers went 8-17 in her first year before flipping their record to 15-10 in 2011.

?It?s been a building process for the program here. I think the girls have improved tremendously with their knowledge of the game and playing overall,? said Bartels. ?We are able to run quicker offenses, and they already know what I expect at practices, so they utilize their time wisely to prepare for games.?

Now, the Panthers are looking to show everything they?ve learned and take another step toward the top of the conference in 2012.

?I?m really excited for this year because we have a lot of energy and hard workers, which will help us overcome adversity during tough matches,? Bartels said. ?[That] has been a downfall in the past.?

Cheyanne Lankford, Leslie Stone and Maranda Baker are the only returning starters, but they also are three of the top players from 2011.

Lankford, a middle hitter, was first on the Panthers in serve efficiency and third in number of kills last season. Baker ranked second in both kills and digs from the outside, and setter Stone was first in assists and ace serves. Combined, the trio accounted for close to half the Panthers? offense as juniors.

The three players have been logging varsity minutes since Bartels arrived on the scene in 2010. They have six years of combined varsity experience under their belts.

?They are a strong group of girls who exhibit excellent leadership skills both verbally and by their actions,? said Bartels.

Other players who will be in the starting rotation include sophomore Madelyn Baker at outside hitter, senior Jacinta Cooley and freshman Beth Atwood in the middle, seniors Brittany Gillam at libero and Emily Adam as defensive specialist and junior Jessica Horras on the right side.

Numbers are up, as well. With 37 girls out this season, compared to 31 players last year, competition for the remaining varsity spots has been fierce.

?The girls have been working hard to get a starting spot,? Bartels said. ?This year?s group has a lot of team unity and are very positive and encouraging to each other. They will push each other during drills to compete and help the other person improve.?

After finishing fourth in the conference standings last season, Bartels has her sights set on a second-place finish in 2012. Mediapolis returns many of its players from last year?s 39-3 team and will be the heavy favorite to repeat as Southeast Iowa Superconference champs.

The Panthers opened the season at the Keota Tournament Monday and continue their season at the Winfield-Mount Union triangular today.