LANCASTER APPEARS ON RISE IN VOLLEYBALL HIGHLAND AND QUARTZ HILL MIGHT FINALLY FALL IN 2000.Byline: Kirby Lee Special to the Daily News The Golden League girls' volleyball championship has come down to Highland and Quartz Hill highs in recent years. That does not figure to change this season. Lancaster, though, is steadily moving up. Last season, Lancaster tied for third behind Highland and Quartz Hill to earn its first playoff play·off also play-off n. Sports 1. A final game or series of games played to break a tie. 2. A series of games played to determine a championship. Noun 1. berth in school history on a coin flip. While contending for a title might be a few years a way, a second postseason appearance is well within reach this fall. ``It is a big deal when you have never made the playoffs before,'' said fifth-year coach Bruce Rucker. ``I like the talent we have. We're coming up and taking steps toward becoming a total program.'' The prospect of building upon last year's success and camaraderie ca·ma·ra·der·ie n. Goodwill and lighthearted rapport between or among friends; comradeship. [French, from camarade, comrade, from Old French, roommate; see comrade. prompted Rucker to reconsider his decision to step down as coach to spend more time with his daughter Talia, 4, and 16-month-old son Isaiah. ``This is the funnest team I have ever had,'' Rucker said. ``They are so much fun to be around. They are like family. They twisted my arm and worked me over when I told them I was not going to coach. They are so giddy and wacky. I have a great time whenever I'm around them.'' That was not always the case in the beginning as a perpetual losing team. Seniors Laci Fults and Tiffany Tiffany, Tiffanie (UK) a semi-longhaired version of the Burmese cat. It has a fine, silky coat in many colors. Thompson, both fourth-year players, have witnessed the metamorphosis metamorphosis (mĕt'əmôr`fəsĭs) [Gr.,=transformation], in zoology, term used to describe a form of development from egg to adult in which there is a series of distinct stages. of the Lancaster program, which has never defeated Highland or Quartz Hill. Last fall, the Eagles took Quartz Hill to five games in the league finale. They also won their first game against four-time defending champion defending champion n (SPORT) → defensor/a m/f del título defending champion n (Sport) → champion(ne) en titre Highland. ``The kids know our history,'' Rucker said. ``Each year we manage to do better and pull off one or two surprises. Highland is the favorite coming in. Whatever anybody else says. They're top dog and we're going to have to beat them, but we're not going to roll over as in the past. We've come a long way.'' Fults, a 5-foot-5 setter setter: see sporting dog. setter Any of three breeds derived from a medieval hunting dog that would set (lie down) when it found birds so that it and the birds could be covered with a net. Setters have long hair on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. and first-team all-league selection, is Lancaster's most versatile player as well as a standout on the soccer and softball softball, variant of baseball played with a larger ball on a smaller field. Invented (1888) in Chicago as an indoor game, it was at various times called indoor baseball, mush ball, playground ball, kitten ball, and, because it was also played by women, ladies' teams. The 6-0 Thompson is moving from middle blocker to outside hitter to take advantage of her passing skills. Thompson, who is being recruited by Tulsa and Cal, is also a force at the net with an approach reach of 9-10. Senior Katey Goodson, a third-year player, and second-year opposite hitter and defensive specialist Jessica Krutsch exemplify ex·em·pli·fy tr.v. ex·em·pli·fied, ex·em·pli·fy·ing, ex·em·pli·fies 1. a. To illustrate by example: exemplify an argument. b. Lancaster's rise. Goodson, a 5-10 outside hitter, had little experience as a sophomore but has improved tremendously through club volleyball. Krutsch has also improved through club volleyball as well as becoming a ``student'' of the sport, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Rucker. ``They both followed the same path,'' Rucker said. ``We brought them in young and they made mistakes. Each year they have been stepping up.'' Sophomores Sarah Ruben and Stephanie Meek meek adj. meek·er, meek·est 1. Showing patience and humility; gentle. 2. Easily imposed on; submissive. are Rucker's next projects. The 5-9 Ruben is being tabbed as the outside hitter and middle blocker of the future for the Eagles and will start numerous matches at either position. The 5-7 Meek returns for her second varsity campaign at outside hitter. Senior Rebecca Monnette, who played sparingly spar·ing adj. 1. Given to or marked by prudence and restraint in the use of material resources. 2. Deficient or limited in quantity, fullness, or extent. 3. Forbearing; lenient. behind Thompson last year, has earned the starting middle-blocking position after an impressive showing during summer league. ``We've got a good mixture with seniors and younger members with varied experience,'' Rucker said. ``That is the strength of a total team. It is a tight-knit group that helps each other and looks after each other's back.'' AT A GLANCE Team: Lancaster High girls' volleyball Coach: Bruce Rucker, fifth year 1999 record: 8-8 League: Golden League finish: 5-5, third Top returners Laci Fults, Sr., 5-5, S; Tiffany Thompson, Sr., 6-0, OH; Rebecca Monnette, Sr., 5-10, MB; Katey Goodson, Jr., 5-10, OH; Jessica Krutsch, Sr., 5-8, OH/DS; Stephanie Meek, So., 5-7, OH Top newcomers Sarah Ruben, So., 5-9, OH/MB; Jessica Parker, Sr., 5-7, OH; Valerie Rodriguez, Sr., 5-8, OH; Krista Harasti, Sr., 5-5, DS; Krystle Brock brock n. Chiefly British A badger. [Middle English brok, from Old English broc, of Celtic origin.] , So., 5-10, MB CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: (color) Lancaster's Sarah Ruben (left), Laci Fults and Katey Goodson will help the improved Eagles in the Golden League battles this year. Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News Box: At a Glance (see text) |
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