East Union Volleyball

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Sports Editor 2020 East Union lady Urchins Volleyball: Front row left - Lucy Haynes, Caroline Sherwood, Dakota Hines, Harleigh Wheelington, Sydney Sanford, Bethany Hazel, Daisy Johnson, Maci McLellen, Claire Hill, Olivia Pannell. Middle row left - Olivia Elder, Anna Liz Ray, Summer Witt, Roxie Roberson, Abby Patterson, Emily Herod, Eliza Whitenton, Jenni Bullard, Rachel Gentry, Olivia Butler, Emma Boatner, Carrie Wilkinson, Memorie Easterling. Back row left - Maggie McVey, Peyton Wlidman, Jorja Roberson, Jessica Henderson, Callie Smith, Avelee Stephenson, Hope Robbins, Laura Cobb, Mia Hutcheson, Chloe Greenhill, Annalise Bailey, Emma Bryson, Emma Akins.

Consistency will be key for East Union

East Union begins year two of volleyball under Coach Josh Blythe and the Lady Urchins hope to quickly adapt to their newest team sport after going 9-11 in 2019. Volleyball is fast becoming popular there and the Lady Urchins will work hard on getting the game down.

“It’s our second-year of playing you know so you hope we’ve gotten better at understanding the game,” Blythe said. “As a coach I know I’ve learned as much this year as I did our first, so you hope to continue that knowledge of the game and help your kids get better. I call coaches a lot and ask questions.”

Even though the Lady Urchins are new to the sport, Blythe has some players returning that will provide key leadership on the floor.

“Our top offensive players right off the top of my mind have to be Jorja Roberson, Maggie McVey, Mia Hutcheson, and Peyton Wildman,” Blythe said. “Those are the kids we’re looking to lead us in kills.”

Blythe is especially excited about one player that saw limited playing time in 2019 and sees a lot of potential for her.

“New comers this year really aren’t new, but yet we have someone who has definitely grown as a better player and that’s Emma Akins,” he said. “She didn’t play much varsity last year but by the end of last season, you could see the potential. She’s worked and you literally have to run her away from the gym.”

East Union will be playing in Division 1-2A with Mantachie, Potts Camp and Walnut.

“The schedule this year is more difficult than last season,” Blythe said. “The division has changed and all the teams in it have played multiple years so we’ll have our work cut out for us.”

Blythe sees strengths and weaknesses with his team and they hope to build off both.

“Our strength I would say would be our setters, and weakness is just being consistent every day and every match,” he said.

“CONSISTENCY without a doubt our x-factor. As a coach, you need to know what you’re getting each night from each of your players. Every person has to become a more consistent player.”

Blythe and the Lady Urchins been dealing with all the intricacies of improving their game in year two, but they also have dealt with the Covid-19 issues as well.

“Been difficult not going to lie, navigating the Coronavirus,” Blythe said. “We’ve split our kids up all summer, checked temps, and even practiced our kids at different times to keep the numbers inside down, per the Governors orders.”