By Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



MORRIS — The Mortimer Jordan Lady Blue Devil volleyball team is hosting team camp this week at Jordan’s gym. As head coach Laura Rickman watches the Lady Devils square off against one another, she just can’t wait to see her club preform in the regular season action against another club.

Such is the enthusiasm that comes from seeing a rising program grow. Rickman saw her program make strides last year, as the Lady Devils closed the regular season with a flourish to finish above the .500 mark.

With five players who have starting experience back, including junior Peyton Davis, the 2007 runner-up for the All-North Jefferson Volleyball Player of the Year, returning, it’s easy to see why Rickman’s counting the days until the regular season gets under way.

“I’m expecting good things out of this team, “ Rickman said. “We’ve got some good veteran players and then some younger kids with plenty of talent that just needs to develop.”

Davis, the 6-foot-4, rising junior, who led the North Jefferson area in kill and block averages per match, is noticeably bigger and stronger heading into this season, after leading her club volleyball team to a 19th place finish at the national tournament this summer.

1n 2007, Davis averaged more than 13 kills and nearly five blocks per match

“I’m eager to see Peyton on the high school court, after her experience at a national tournament,” Rickman said.

However, Davis isn’t the only Lady Devil, Rickman has high praise for, she’s impressed with the mindset of her entire squad.

“I’m blessed to have so many girls with great attitudes,” she said. “All these girls want to learn and they’re willing to work at improving.”

Rickman thinks the likely strength of this year’s club will be the front line, which will feature Davis and Shawna Harris at middle blocker, along with Summer Martin at right side hitter and Elizabeth Narimore at left side hitter.

Rickman thinks Martin has improved as much as anyone on the club and could be set to have a fine season.

Senior Ashlee Porter can play either of the outside hitter spots, meanwhile fellow senior Ashley Merrit will be the club’s setter.

Davis, Porter and Merritt were all members of the All-North Jefferson Volleyball team in 2007 and Rickman’s expecting the trio to have outstanding seasons once again, in addition to providing club with solid leadership.

Katye Thrash could also see playing time up front. Junior Danielle Holcomb may work from the back line and play at defensive specialist. At press time, the final members of the 2008 varsity had not been set, so two or three more girls are likely to emerge from the camp and take a spot on the club.

The Lady Devils will compete with Erwin, Hayden and traditionally strong Springville for the 5A, Area 11 title this year. Jordan opens their season on Aug. 26, when they host Dora.