“Our fall schedule is hot off the press,” says coach Monica Halverson, Pershing County's head volleyball coach since 2019. “I don’t see many changes to come, but always be prepared. Isn’t a full schedule in the fall a glorious sight?”
The 2021-22 year starts with two preseason tournaments, a chance for the athletes to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
On Aug. 20-21, the players compete in Yerington.
The following weekend (Aug. 27-28) they travel to Battle Mountain.
The coaches and players miss Cheyeanne Diaz and Senicka Happy.
The recent grads each played three years on JV and one year on varsity. But a lively group waits in the wings.
For spectators, another important date is Saturday, Sept. 4, when the varsity and JV teams host their first home game of the year.
They’ll play Oasis Academy at 11 a.m. and noon. The following week they’ll welcome Yerington (Sept. 15) and Incline (Sept. 17) at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
During the off-season, the Mustangs raised funds by washing cars and renting themselves out for a teacher workday.
The money will go towards equipment, spirit packs and other necessities of volleyball life.
The players have also focused on their conditioning, crucial in a game of short, high-energy bursts followed by brief periods of rest. Halverson cobbled together summer league scrimmages, open gym and weight training. Several girls attended a weekend camp in Yerington taught by former Lion, Cole Aiazzi.
Next comes the mandatory four-day Gold Square Camp, canceled last season due to Covid restrictions.
This year it runs at PCHS from Aug. 9-12. Tryouts follow Aug. 16-17.
The JV and varsity teams will have 10 practices before their season-opener. They play Fernley at the home of the Vaqueros on Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
