Posted: Aug 13, 2018
Volleyball Has Eyes on National Tournament After Dynamic 2017
Under the direction of Senior Head Coach Isabell Almendarez-Ramos, the Lady Suns Volleyball Team made major strides last season. In 2017, Cedar Valley finished third in the Metro Athletic Conference (now the Dallas Athletic Conference) and advanced to the Semi-Finals of the MAC Tournament after more than a decade.
"The volleyball program at Cedar Valley is in a very good place right now," explains Coach Almendarez-Ramos, who is affectionately referred to as Coach Bell. "Our volleyball program has consistently improved each year and I'm proud of everything we've accomplished the past three years and look forward to continuing building on a culture of excellence and success."
Despite losing key sophomores and All-MAC/Region V performers Brenda Duran (Prairie View A&M), Cali Odom (University of Saint Mary-KS) and Christian Wilson (Howard Payne University) who helped set a new standard for the Volleyball program going forward, the Lady Suns return Mallorie Brooks who was stellar her freshman year in the orange and yellow.
In her debut season, Brooks lead the Lady Suns in kills (270) and points (296.5) and was second on the team in digs (395). She would finish the year ranked 33rd in the NJCAA in kills on her way to All-MAC/Region V Second Team accolades.
"Brooks brings great energy, works hard, and her focus is on what's best for the team," says Almendarez-Ramos. "We've been making adjustments this preseason, however, I know whatever roles I put her in she'll give her best effort and excel in it."
With their Semi-Finals conference tournament loss coming from the eventual NJCAA National Champion, Eastfield, Coach Bell has the Lady Suns motivated for 2018. "We played our best game yet and we were on the uphill of our season, however, we came up short in the fifth set. This offseason we've reflected on our goals ahead and are motivated this fall season to demonstrate an "ALL IN" attitude while trusting the process."
Freshmen that have stood out in the preseason and are expected to make an impact early are Jasmine Davis (MB-Wichita Falls, TX/Wichita Falls HS), Samantha Hernandez (S-Bryan, TX/Bryan HS), and Amaya Saenz (RS-Wichita Falls, TX/Wichita Falls HS).
The Lady Suns begin their journey to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament this Wednesday when they host Coastal Bend and Vernon in a Tri-Match.
Cedar Valley Lady Suns: Tri-Match Wednesday, August 22
vs. Coastal Bend Cougars - 12:00 pm
vs. Vernon Chaps - 4:00 pm
3030 N Dallas Ave, Lancaster, TX 75134
3030 N Dallas Ave, Lancaster, TX 75134
