Fall sports: Pekin?s experience, numbers to start paying off

Pekin went through the rebuilding growing pains a year ago, and now in 2011, hope to take another step forward.

The first part of that process is already completed ? 31 members on the team for second-year head coach Ashley Bartels. Six players return from last year?s varsity rotation, but competition has already picked up for those looking to fill in the rest.

?At the varsity level, it?s going to be tough fighting for playing time and positions. I love when the girls have to fight for their positions because it really increases the level of focus and the level of play,? Bartels said.

Paige Jensen leads the group of returning starters after being the top hitter last fall and will also have setters Leslie Stone and Emily back by her side. Maranda Baker, Cheyann Lankford and Kelsey Molkenthin add to the list of players who played in nearly every game last season and are off to a fast start in 2011.

?Our communication is much better this year than last year, and the team unity has grown stronger,? Bartels added. ?We have some strong passers and have focusing a lot on our defense.?

Baker, Lankford and Ellis will man the back row and lead the crew doing that passing with newcomer libero Tori Davis also joining in.

But while the back row will be a strength, the Panthers aren?t blessed with much size and could run into trouble while blocking at the net. A tall run of opponents await as the usually tough SEISC north division should be just that again next year ? especially at the top with Mediapolis and IMS.

Working in Pekin?s favor will be Bartels? second year on the sideline after being a rookie coach last fall.

?The girls have had me for one year now so they know what I expect and they?ve been working hard for me every day,? she said. ?Our team motto this year is, ?Earn it!?, and they are trying to earn every little thing, whether it be a varsity jersey, a drill in practice or playing time.

?This group of girls is very dedicated, and I think we cand do some good things this year.?

Pekin opened its season with three wins in four tries at the WACO tournament Monday, hosts West Burlington and Winfield-Mount Union tonight and have a conference home game vs. Mediapolis Sept. 1.