[August 10, 2011] Volleyball: Lady Bronchos need pep in their step with smaller attackers Tweet Aug 08, 2011 (Odessa American - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- ODESSA, Texas -- Shortcomings in experience and height won't slow down the attack for Odessa High School's volleyball team. At least that's the plan for the Lady Bronchos, who hit the road today to open their first season under new head coach David Patrick with matches against El Paso Burges and El Paso Franklin in Franklin's gym. "Our offense, we have to go much quicker this year," senior setter Adri Rivas said. "Girls on the other side of the net are much taller than us this year, so we have to kind of make up for it with our quickness." That effort is helped by the experience of Rivas and fellow senior Gabbi Marquez, who are returners in Odessa High's 6-2 offense. Marquez was a first-team all-district selection last season and is a third-year varsity setter while Rivas is back for her second consecutive varsity campaign. The Lady Bronchos also have an experienced back row, including the return of senior libero Marina Salazar and senior defensive specialists Sara Benavides and Evelyn Frausto. Perhaps an even bigger transition awaits than Patrick, a long-time assistant coach for the program who took over after 11-year head coach Linda McMillan retired during the summer. Odessa High's attacking corps, on the other hand, is an opportunity in wait. Only senior middle blocker Vania Hernandez had a full-time role last season, and it certainly wasn't as one of the top attacking options -- though she showed that potential with 4 kills and 1.5 blocks during Odessa High's four-set playoff loss to Arlington High. "We definitely talked about that, just knowing that we lost so many key (attackers)," said junior Natalie Cook, who could fill in at any attacking spot. "We know we have to step up. I think we're doing a really good job and we're really improving." Cook and senior Melina Brito also were varsity players last season who return as attackers, though each saw limited court time. Even a little bit of seasoning should help as they now are leaders trying to help Odessa High earn a second consecutive playoff spot. Both can play either outside of the middle blocker rotation opposite of Hernandez, depending on how other attackers -- such as Alexis Arroyo, Viviana Avalos, Erin Brady and Alexa Branum -- develop. "The setters are running a lot of our offense," Patrick said. "We let them be creative and they do a lot of cool things. When those two seniors are going, it opens up a whole lot of options. "Vania, she's getting confident and I'd just like that confidence to continue to grow. I don't know exactly what we'll do with Natalie and Melina. I want to get Melina to the outside so she can take more swings, but our blocks and that kind of thing dictate what we'll do with her." To see more of the Odessa American, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.oaoa.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Odessa American, Texas Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]