On Tuesday night (Nov. 21), the Pershing volleyball team gathered on stage at the PCHS auditorium. Coaches Lisa Clark and Sarah Haynie introduced the JV and Varsity girls.
Haynie and Clark each stepped up as first-year volleyball coaches this season. Haynie coached JV. Clark led the varsity squad.
The JV team consisted of Hannah Stairwalt (manager), Nataly Rodriguez, Amy Carpenter, Senicka Rayne Happy, Josie Crim, Daralyn Moura, Maria Jimenez, Kati Cerini, Makenna Houston and Cheyeanne Diaz.
The varsity girls included: Kaylynn Jackson (manager), Colbey Wanner, Faith Happy, Faith Moreira, Morgan Reid, Megan Renfroe, Maggie Baker, Taryn Houston and Sydney Jensen.
It was a challenging season. Injuries sidelined some of the more experienced athletes. Several JV players filled varsity roles, often playing new positions.
Former PCHS volleyball coach Shauna Bake drilled Kati Rae Cerini on blocking. Jimenez, Moura and Makenna Houston also transitioned from JV to varsity.
The squad finished fourth in their zone and made it to the regional tournament.
“Unfortunately, illness and injury stopped us in our tracks,” said Clark. “But I am proud of every member of the team. They never gave up.”
The coach closed by announcing the All-Conference awards. Colbey Wanner and Faith Happy each made the second team. Sydney Jensen got an Honorable Mention.
The coach described Wanner as “the best all-around player on the team.”
She credited Happy with “keeping us competitive in the league.”
“Without Faith, our team averages about 5’4" [in height]” said the coach. She noted that until the six-foot center broke her ankle, she led the league in blocks (43).
The injury sidelined Happy two weeks before the end of the season. Happy’s closest competitor played until the bitter end but scored only one more block (44).
“It not easy to coach your daughter,” said Clark about Sydney Jensen. “But I’m so thankful Sydney was there with me my first year of coaching.”
