Bulldogs aim to rebound in 2018
By Bart Moss / For the FCT
The Belgreen Lady Bulldog volleyball team’s season came to an abrupt end last year to country rival Tharptown in the area tournament. That loss lingered and serves as motivation for the sixth-ranked Bulldogs to not let this season end prematurely.
“Last year did not end like we anticipated,” said Belgreen coach Teresa Whitten, whose team had advanced to the super-regionals the previous four years and the Sweet Sixteen the year before.
Belgreen faced Tharptown five times in 2017, and the first four times, the Bulldogs came away winners. It was that fifth and decisive time Whitten said she wants her team to remember.
“We were coming off our best season in our seven-year program history with 20 wins, but we fell short,” said Whitten. “Sometimes it takes a setback to wake you up to do what is needed. I did a lot of soul-searching and made several changes. So far, the team has bought in and has been performing at a high level. We are going to trust the process and, hopefully, make progress each day and at each match.”
One of the main reasons Whitten has confidence in her team is their experience level. The Lady Bulldogs return every starter from last year’s team.
“We are very fortunate to have all of our starters from last year returning,” said Whitten. “I have two senior starters with great leadership skills, Camie Terrell and Kaycee Wilson. Our hitters and passers are all more experienced and, above all, more confident. They have shown so much maturity and confidence throughout the summer.”
Whitten said that experience will pay off as the season progresses.
“There is less tension and so much enthusiasm,” she said. “We trust each other. In practice they are very consistent with the basics, like serving and passing. If we can maintain that confidence and consistency, we should have a very good year. We can’t wait to get started.”
Belgreen will open the season at Brewer High School Aug. 25. The Lady Bulldogs’ home opener will be Aug. 30 in a tri-match against Colbert County and Colbert Heights.
The Bulldogs will also host their second annual invitational tournament Sept. 15.
Meet the Lady Bulldogs
Camie Terrell, middle blocker
Kaycee Wilson, defensive specialist
Megan Smith, middle blocker
Maria Estrada, passer
Autumn Bragwell, setter
Katie Dempsey, outside hitter
Ansley Tate, outside hitter
Bailey Wood, libero
Gracie Dempsey, defensive specialist
Sydney Borden, setter
Emma Dempsey, middle hitter
BHS Volleyball 2018 Schedule
Aug. 25 – at Brewer High School (tournament)
Aug. 30 –Colbert County and Colbert Heights (tri-match), 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 – Belmont, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 6 – at Covenant Christian, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 – Marion County and Russellville (tri-match), 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 13 – at Colbert Heights, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 15 – Belgreen Invitational Tournament
Sept. 17 – Covenant Christian, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 – at East Lawrence (tri-match), 5 and 6 p.m.
Sept. 25 – at Phillips, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 – Tharptown, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 – at Cherokee Tournament
Oct. 2 – Phillips, 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 8 –Central and East Lawrence (tri-match), 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 9 – at Hackleburg, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 – Hackleburg (senior night), 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 20 – at Lawrence County Tournament
