Henderson International girl’s volleyball close to playoffs

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 | 6 a.m.

Henderson International's girls volleyball team needs just one win in its last three games to earn a spot in the 1A Southern League tournament.

It would be the school's first trip under coach Linda Staley, who is now in her third year at the school.

"We're poised to make the playoffs and it's exciting," she said.

The Wolverines (5-17, 1-4) are looking to take the eighth seed in the tournament, which begins Nov. 7 at Lake Mead Christian Academy.

The team has no seniors and 10 freshman on its 14-girl roster.

"Most of our freshman had never touched a ball before," Staley said. "They're willing to learn, and they've been a joy to coach."

Junior outside hitter Fabi Pachas is the Wolverines' the team captain, but is still fairly new to the sport. She started playing last year.

"I didn't really feel that experienced starting the year, but when I was chosen to be the team captain it gave me confidence to lead the team," Pachas said.

This is the youngest, but also largest team Staley has coached at the school.

"Being such a small school, having 14 girls here is great," Staley said.

Having such a large number of inexperienced players meant the team would have its struggles. The Wolverines started the season going 0-6, before defeating Agassi Prep 3-1 on Sept. 3.

"I told them at the beginning of they year, success is defined in different ways," Staley said. "For us it was not going to be on the scoreboard or in the record. It would be how we played."

Sophomore opposite hitter Lauren Mushkin said she's already seeing the team maturing.

"We've played teams that are a lot older with juniors and seniors, and we didn't give up," Mushkin said. "We've got freshman and sophomores playing like a varsity team."

Brent Hinckley can be reached at 990-7822 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.