Coach Driscoll: Team needs to turn record around

KINGSTON — The Kingston High School volleyball team has never had a winning season. Head coach Ashley Driscoll hopes to change that.

The varsity team, consisting of three seniors, three juniors, four sophomores and two freshman, are hopeful. But Driscoll said those returning may not be completely over the team’s previous records.

“I think they’re close to being there,” Driscoll said of the team getting past its losing seasons. “But I can see their also a little nervous.

“We’re almost to that point where they are over the losing season and focused on taking some wins.”

Kingston ended last season 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the Olympic League under coach Lacey Menne.

The team played its first non-league game Thursday against Chimacum after this paper went to press.

Though she’s at a disadvantage not knowing the team’s opponents in the league, Driscoll brings years of volleyball experience. She played in the Naval Academy for four years and later played for the All-Navy team. In 2007, she went to the World Military Games with the All-Armed Forces team. Since that time, she played mostly with USA Volleyball, where, recently, she played in the Nationals in Dallas, Texas.

North Kitsap wants another shot at State

POULSBO — As summer winds down, Tim French has a puzzle to finish.

After losing a core group of players last season, the North Kitsap head volleyball coach needs to fill the shoes of those who helped bring the team to state.

“We’re looking to fill those roles, and that’s part of my challenge,” French said. “Part of the fun as a coach is putting athletes in the right position.”

Graduating players such as Kelsey Rosebeary, Melissa Beggerow, Kelsey Grunigen and Bryana Bohl were key to the team’s success last year, French said. A few of the varsity positions have been filled, including Nicole Weber and Sarah Baugh who will be this season’s setters, but the work is not over.

North went to state for the first time in program history during the 2010-11 season, after ending the regular season undefeated in league play. The team lost in the first round to Lynden 3-0 — 25-18, 25-15, 25-15.

The biggest lesson French took away from state is the rate which teams in other leagues play at. He will try to quicken the pace of play during practice, to help the defense gain some speed. Besides that, he said he is still trying to think of other ways to prepare the players if the team returns to state.

“The speed of the play (at state) is another level that we’re not used to,” French said.

The team must overcome its opponents in the Olympic League. French expects Port Angeles will be the toughest competition, after what he saw at summer camps. Sequim and Olympic may also prove difficult, he said.