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Young Cardinal Newman volleyball team competing well By David Shelton Senior Writer Columbia - Veteran coach Bob Watson was not sure what to expect from the 2011 Cardinal Newman volleyball team but has been pleasantly surprised early on. Watson replaced four starters from last year's team and has a roster full of underclassmen this fall. The young team won eight of its first 12 matches this season against a very competitive schedule. A third-place finish in the Sumter Invitational tournament, which included several of the top AAAA public school programs, was proof positive that the team has potential. "We needed some time to gel with a new setter and the more we play, the better we play together," said Watson. "We have some pretty good experience overall but as any coach will tell you, having a new setter is like having a new quarterback in football. I feel like we're getting better. We have a good team. We have a lot to work on but I feel like we can be pretty solid." Watson's new setter this fall is sophomore Nicki Regan. "She's learning everyday and she is getting more and more comfortable," said Watson. "She has a great attitude and works hard. It just takes some time to mesh." The team's top player and leader is junior middle hitter Emily Davis. "She is our main threat and a very good player," said Watson. "She has a lot of experience as a club player and that helps a lot. Her court savvy and knowledge of the game is really high." Working as outside hitters are junior Caroline Price and sophomore Lauren Deyling. Junior Margo Deyling works on the right side and plays some in the middle. Senior captain Abby Rutz is the team's libero and only senior. Junior Sarah Steadman is a back row defensive specialist. A pleasant surprise has been 6-1 eighth-grader Claire Edwards, who Watson brought up from the junior varsity when junior middle hitter Haley Poole was lost for the season with a knee injury. Edwards has been improving well as she adjusts to the varsity game and leads the team in blocks. "She is holding her own for the most part," Watson said. "She has a great future. She's so young but she has the potential to be one of the best we've ever had here." Watson recently called up seventh-grader Kendall Watson to see time on the back row as well. "She will add a spark and some depth," said the coach of his daughter. "She's very experienced in terms of club volleyball so she should help us a lot."

?Our performance was generally poor across the board,? he said. ?They say when you are struggling you go back to basics and that?s what we have been doing this week. All the way back to getting good position for our blocks down to just lining up properly.?

?Our stamina was pretty good, so we?re in pretty good shape,? he said. ?Our effort wasn?t bad, b ut beyond that, it wasn?t pretty at all.?

Despite what might be considered long odds at Sumter against the Barons, Bolchoz enjoys playing the Class AAA finalist from a year ago.

?It will certainly be a challenge.? he said. ?Wilson Hall is usually very physical and that?s the kind of football I like to be involved in. They have a great atmosphere over there and it will be exciting to be part of it.?