Sports

State's the Ultimate Goal for This Year's St. Joe Volleyball Team

Tall, talented senior group will lead the way in 2012.

Two years ago, the St. Joe Angels won the state volleyball tournament. They didn’t win it last year. By simple deduction, the battle cry this fall is get to the finals in November, and win it all.

The Angels have a talented upper tier of juniors and seniors. This year’s squad is comprised of five seniors, four juniors and three sophomores.

Alyssa Jensen, called a “fantastic setter” by her assistant coach Katie Richardson is all revved up to go. She’s already signed a letter of intent to play for Cal-Berkeley next year.

“She’s an amazing setter, she’s focused on the season ahead,” said Richardson. Jensen agrees. “I’m excited about this season. Our real goal is to get to that state tournament again. We’ve been working extremely hard to get better,” said Jensen. Jensen had 33 aces, 49 kills and 37 blocks a year ago.

Natalie Gower-6-foot-4, who has signed with TCU is termed a great team leader by her coach. “She’s versatile and she’s competitive and she works extremely hard,” said Richardson. Last year she has 124 serves with a success rate of 92 percent and 163 kills.

Gower, who has played CYC volleyball since age 10 is excited for the season. “Our front row is very strong. We to change things up and play different positions. Our coach likes to mix things up a lot,” she said.

The Angels feature three more talented seniors: Lauren Gresham, Courtney Meek and Anna Reichert, the Libero.

Gresham, who will play for the University of Dayton has come back from a torn ACL a year ago. Meek is the defensive specialist at 5-foot-5 and her coach says they love her because she has such a “great attitude.”

Reichert will be playing for Lindenwood University next season. “She works well with her hands and is always positive about everything,” said Richardson.

The Angels did turn over some key talent to college last year. Outside hitter Carly Oches is playing for the University of North Carolina-Charlotte,  middle hitter Alisa Ames is at Southern Mississippi and defender Molly Keeven went to Saint Louis U. but is not playing volleyball.

The Saints will open home versus Lafayette August 28 and travel to the Louisville Invitational September 7-8; host the Tournament of Champions September 14-15; and go to the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix, October 18-20.

St. Joeseph's Academy Volleyball Schedule 2012

date/date/time/opponent

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Tuesday, August 28, 4:30 p.m., vs. Lafayette

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 4:30 p.m., vs. Incarnate Word

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Wednesday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m. at Edwardsville

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. at Belleville Althoff

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 4:30 p.m. vs Francis Howell

Thursday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. vs. Cor Jesu

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 5:15 p.m., at Oakville

Thursday, Sept. 27, 5 p.m. at Ursuline

Monday, Oct. 1, 4:30 p.m. vs. Visitation

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 4;30 p.m. vs St. Dominic

Saturday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. vs Mater Dei

Thursday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m. at Nerinx Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 4:30 p.m. vs Alton Marquette


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