PREP VOLLEYBALL: Expectations don't change for Central (8/10)

By CHUCK JONES cjones@thenewsenterprise.com CECILIA — The Central Hardin Lady Bruins have established themselves as the premier program in the 5th Region. In the last five years, no team in the area can match what the Lady Bruins have accomplished. They have won more than 130 matches with 20 or more every season. They have played for the region championship all five years, winning titles in 2003, ’04 and ’06. But this season, Central Hardin coach Wendy Boeglen faces a difficult challenge to keep her team at the top. The Lady Bruins lost four starters and return only four players with varsity experience. “We knew it would be a young team,” Boeglen said. “Team-wise we are less experienced than we’ve been in the past. We have the pieces but we have to see where those pieces fit. Our major concern is finding the right spots for people. If we can get people in the right spots, I expect us to be a major force by the end of the season.” Although many would term this season a rebuilding year, Boeglen said the expectations for the program are no different than any other year. “Expectations never change,” Boeglen said. “Our expectations are high and we strive to be the best (team) in the area. We try to raise the bar each season. If you shoot for the stars and miss, at least you’ll hit the moon.” The cupboard is far from bare for Boeglen and the Lady Bruins. Seniors Tiffany Allen and Kelsey Villwock are two cornerstones to build upon. Allen is a setter and could see time at attacker, while Villwock is a middle hitter. “The two of them are challenged quite a bit to bring the younger players up to their level,” Boeglen said. “Team-wise, they are the backbone. They complement each other well. They know what we need to run and when we need to run it.” Senior Victoria Thompson, a defensive specialist, saw time in the starting lineup last season when Kelly Peters was out with an injury. Thompson, though, sustained an injury and sophomore Maddie Lewis, a libero/defensive specialist, took over the position. Juniors Rebecca Morgan, Kevena Larkins and Janna Brawner and sophomore Cassidy Sorrells all will see action at outside hitter. Senior Alex Adkins could play either setter or defensive specialist, while sophomores Sarah Fisher, a defensive specialist, and Lisa Fisher, a setter/defensive specialist, are vying for playing time as well. “We have a lot of girls unproven on the varsity level,” Boeglen said. “We’re still searching for the perfect lineup. They’re giving it all they have at the positions I’m putting them at. “What I like is they are working together well after not having played together very much,” she added. “They are starting to gel. We just have to see what combination works the best.” The good news for Boeglen is she was able to get a sneak peak at her team during the Bluegrass Games. Her team finished second in pool play and beat Lexington Catholic before falling to Owensboro Catholic in the gold division bracket. “The level of play from JV to varsity is different and the girls were able to experience that,” Boeglen said. “The focus wasn’t to play to bring home a championship. Sure, you want to win every time you play. This was our way of being able to retool and change things. This was a perfect opportunity for us and we really needed it. “We had some spots that we weren’t sure about and we’re still not sure about,” she added. “But I liked the way they played with one another. They are using each other strengths well. At times, we looked very good. That was encouraging.” Chuck Jones can be reached at 505-1759