Love sends Lady Jackets to volleyball event with confidence

August 2, 2012

The Starkville High School volleyball team opens the season at the Set It Off Challenge Friday and Saturday in Jackson.

However, head coach Lauren Love will not be making the trip.

After having a baby last Friday, Love has to stay behind as the Lady Yellowjackets begin competition.

Love believes the team has prepared well during the summer and has confidence to send assistant coach Xavier Tillman in her place.

"That's why we worked all June and scrimmaged in July," Love said. "I have every bit of confidence in (Tillman), the girls and the team so we're looking forward to getting the season kicked off.

"We've had support during this time to help me and the team come together because we all have the same goal. We want our girls to get together, enjoy volleyball and work hard for a common goal."

Starkville's roster contains four seniors, three juniors, four sophomores and one freshman.

Love has been able to see the team come together through summer league matches and looks forward to seeing how things progress as the regular season begins.

"We have some girls in new leadership roles and new position roles so it will be good to see," Love said. "It's an interesting mix of veterans and young folks. Our veterans are actually younger players, but the girls have been working well together so it will be fun to see how that translates on the court."

Today at St. Joseph, the Lady Jackets are scheduled to play Lewisburg of Olive Branch at 4:30 p.m. and Jim Hill of Jackson at 8:30 p.m., but the times and location could be adjusted. Saturday's opponent and time will be determined.