By Brian Besch
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The Goodrich Lady Hornets fell in three sets Tuesday to Class 3A Newton, as they took a 25-15, 25-12 and 25-11 win.
Goodrich was able to remain competitive until about the midway point in each of the first two sets. In the final set, they surrendered 12 consecutive points after holding a 2-0 lead.
The Lady Hornets gave solid effort, with Liseidy Balbuena, Brianaly Resendez, Bra’Niyah Wyatt and Aaliyah Wright shining at different points of the contest.
The Goodrich volleyball program is expanding under Coach Pinellafie Johnson, adding a junior varsity squad that gave the Newton JV girls a game.
“The numbers are good, and they are working hard. It is a work in progress,” Johnson said with a smile. “We have 13, with one out that will be back in October. Last year, we started off with nine and then we had seven.
An injury to the only senior, Arly Balbuena, has set the team back a bit.
“Right now, we have to adjust, and we are trying to get a setter. They’re all afraid to set, because Arly was the only setter that I had. Now, I’ve got Tanyreauna (Criswell) and Liseidy and Natalie (Norris to set). All three of them are trying to work it out to get it together. Once they are not afraid of doing it and know that they can do it, they are going to be OK.”
The coach said hitting has been the strength of the team so far. She said improvement is needed on serve reception and serving. She also bragged on the team’s hustle for the ball.
“Once they get in motion past the set, our hitting is strong. We’ve got to get the ball to the setter and get it set up, because they can swing. I’ve got about four or five of them that can swing on it.”
The coach said Wright, a freshman, has been a bright spot on the court, picking up the varsity game quickly. With the injury to Balbuena, the Lady Hornets are now two each of freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
“It is a work in progress and they know that. I told them that I don’t mind losing the game, but I want them out there playing every game and not standing around watching. It is the only way they are going to improve. We did really good in the Richards tournament and The Tarkington tournament.”
Goodrich is currently 5-18, but has played only one other Class 1A school.
“We will be prepared. These games are just trying to get us ready for district. It will be tough. We will be fighting for first or second, and there are only four of us in it. With volleyball, you never know, you have to show up every day. Otherwise, you will be knocked out.”
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