The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Sports

September 5, 2012

Poland positive on Oak Hill volleyball squad

By Dan Stillwell Register-Herald Sports Writer

Ashley Sisk Poland was an enthusiastic, talented multi-sport player for Independence High School from 1997-2000.

Now, in her second-year as volleyball coach at Oak Hill, she’s lost none of that enthusiasm.

“I love coaching,” she said. “I love being around the girls.”

The Red Devils were 2-2 going into Saturday’s Woodrow Wilson Invitational Tournament. Never a Class AA power, Oak Hill has moved up to AAA and is competitive — even playing well at times — in the bigger class.

“It’s a challenge going to AAA, and I’ve made the schedule (tougher),” Poland said. “This is our first big tournament.”

Seven players returned from last year’s team, including middles Madison Smith and Mariah Bragg.

Smith, a 5-11 senior, is the team’s most experienced player. She loves volleyball and is the team leader.

“Madison is a good hitter, and she’s strong blocking and playing the back row,” Poland said.

Bragg, also a senior, had never played before her sophomore season, but she’s very athletic and played outside hitter last year.

Seniors Hannah Pino and Alaina Navicki, and sophomore McKinzie Bragg are this season’s outside hitters.

Setter Savannah Blevins struggled when she was first put into the position last year, but become more confident in her play.

“She was very timid at first, but the girls rallied behind her,” Poland said. “We’re running a quicker offense this year and she’s doing a lot better.”

Freshman Hannah Johnson, another very athletic player, made her first start at libero Saturday. She’s joined in the back by junior Jordan McMillan, last year’s libero; senior Sidney Scarbro and junior Brynne Walker.

Poland likes how her team has made great strides the past two seasons.

“Last year we were defensive-minded. It was all we had to depend on,” she said. “The girls were underdogs from the start and it gave them a push to go out and be competitive.

“This year we’ve really turned it around.”

Text Only
Sports
  • aaron 2 Pirates, ‘Hounds to begin region play

    Two Fayette County baseball teams have advanced deeper into postseason play and will begin Region 3 tournament action on Tuesday.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Gore’s state long jump title paces Fayette showing

    Fayetteville senior Jonathan Gore finally garnered the state meet gold he’d so long desired.

    May 20, 2013

  • Terri’s Tribute golf event set

    For the fourth summer in a row, C. Adam Toney’s Discount Tires is sponsoring the annual Terri’s Tribute Golf Tournament at Bridge Haven Golf Course in Fayetteville.

    May 20, 2013

  • OH Rotary plans golf tourney June 8

    The Oak Hill Rotary Club will hold its annual golf tournament at the White Oak Country Club on June 8.

    May 20, 2013

  • Elsie Pruett scholarship event set at White Oak

    The third annual Elsie Pruett Scholarship Golf Tournament and Auction will be held June 6 and 7 at White Oak Country Club.
    Elsie Pruett is the wife of former Marshall University head coach Bob Pruett, a Beckley native.

    May 20, 2013

  • 9A2 deon long jump.jpg Local athletes headed to states

    Fayette County athletes will be among those competing this weekend in the annual West Virginia high school track and field championships in Charleston.

    May 15, 2013 3 Photos

  • 9A1 terri.jpg Terri’s Tribute Golf Tournament enters fourth summer

    For the fourth summer in a row, C. Adam Toney’s Discount Tires is sponsoring the annual Terri’s Tribute Golf Tournament at Bridge Haven Golf Course in Fayetteville.

    May 15, 2013 1 Photo

  • Homer K. Ball golf tournament set June 14 at Pipestem

    The 24th annual Homer K. Ball Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 14 at Pipestem Resort State Park. Proceeds from the tournament are used to fund scholarships for Concord University students.

    May 15, 2013

  • 051513 10A1 Sports Coalfield Conference.jpg Coalfield Conference honors finest athletes

    Over the last 20 years, names like Independence’s Ashley Jackson, Woodrow Wilson’s Doug Legursky, Shady Spring’s Whitney Humphreys, Wyoming East’s Tank Tunstalle and the late Benny Bowles of Oceana have been enshrined forever as Coalfield Conference Impact Athletes of the Year. On Tuesday evening, four more well-deserving prep athletes joined the illustrious ranks.

    May 15, 2013 1 Photo

  • Tech in fifth-place game in USCAA

    The WVU Tech women’s softball team remained in contention on the second day of the 2013 USCAA Softball National Championships at Firestone Stadium.

    May 15, 2013