Bison volleyball rising to next level

The New Buffalo High School girls’ volleyball team seems vastly improved over last season’s rebuilding year.

More players are striking the ball harder and with greater accuracy, which was made a priority by Head Coach Bruce Malineaux before the start of the season.

The Bison (7-4-2) soundly defeated White Pigeon at home Monday, Aug. 29, in three sets.

Malineaux has high hopes for a team of mostly seniors and sophomores after strong but losing performances against Michigan Lutheran and River Valley in early season tournaments.

Right now, the Titans and Mustangs are viewed as the teams to beat for the conference and district championships.

It took Michigan Lutheran four down to the wire sets to defeat the Bison in their most recent tournament match.

“We could have won it but we didn’t,” he said.

Malineaux said it’s too early to make any predictions but feels the team has most of what was missing from last year’s softer hitting, but decent squad.

“We’re improving. We’re working hard,” he said.

Jane Funk, who came on strongly as a freshman, is again leading the team in kills followed by senior Amanda Jones.

Sophomore Benita Puskinigus, who played at the junior varsity level last year, is emerging as a major scoring threat with line drive shots at excellent speed from all positions on the floor.

Funk, Jones and Puskinigus were responsible for many of the overpowering shots against White Pigeon.

They also delivered overpowering shots from the serve.

Serves at good speed from senior Amanda Selir resulted in a string of consecutive points locking up the victory in the final set.

Junior Ava Johnson is also showing a soft touch while setting up teammates for spikes at the net.

Malineaux said more power shots from the middle of the court, though, is one area he wants to see improvement.

“We’ve improved on the outside hitting. If we can get the middles to hit a little harder and more consistent I think we’ll be pretty good,” he said.

BY STAN MADDUX