Princeton returns solid core in volleyball

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 5, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PRINCETON -- Despite losing two critical pieces from a stellar 2013 campaign, Princeton has more than enough talent to make another run to the eastern 1-A volleyball championship match this fall.

The keys are developing a right-side hitter and mental preparation.

Fourth-year head coach Paige Renfrow doesn't have to worry about a competitive spirit. She saw that first-hand during a recent camp at Lenoir Community College as the Bulldogs worked against three of eastern North Carolina's traditionally-strong programs -- East Duplin, South Lenoir and Richlands.

"They were good teams and it was good to start this early seeing that kind of competition so we can build on that," Renfrow said. "We had college coaches there to help us fix our weaknesses. We're tweaking our defense and serve receive ... things that will make us that much better."

It's hard to imagine Princeton could get much better.

The Bulldogs have claimed each of the last three Carolina 1-A Conference regular-season and tournament titles. They have won 39 straight matches against league opposition since 2011 and advanced to the eastern regional final each of the past two seasons.

PHS reached the east semifinals in Renfrow's first season.

"I'm sure we're the target, don't know it for sure," Renfrow said. "But (I) feel like we're still the target even if we're not in the winning position. When I look at our conference, there's three or four teams that could beat us on any given day -- a consistent team that if you get just a little bit down, they're going to creep back in and beat you.

"We have to watch out for those teams."

Four starters return off last year's squad that logged 27 wins.

Senior Charley Cox is back at setter. She'll distribute the ball across the net to junior Taylor Carroll on the outside, Kasey Edwards in the middle and Jenna Woodard on the right side. Woodard collected nearly 200 digs at libero last season.

Kelsey Peedin will step into Woodard's defensive spot on the court. Haley Wood is expected to contribute from the middle-hitting slot as well.

"(At Lenoir) Haley showed me she is probably going to be a middle," said Renfrow, who graduated her top two offensive weapons -- Savanna Massengill and Tori Paul.

"Kasey was strong. I think she is going to step up and fill Savanna's shoes. Taylor is a dynamic outside hitter. I think we can attack from the back row ... won't be far from where we were last year."

Renfrow has an ultimate goal that she keeps under wraps.

After all, Princeton has some fine-tuning to do before it can view the big picture. The Bulldogs have to start "small" and work their way to where they've been the past two seasons -- east runners-up to Raleigh Charter.

And don't think they've forgotten last year's five-set loss to the Phoenix.

"I have to have the girls mentally prepared for that next step," said Renfrow, whose career record is 65-12. "I felt like were there this past season, until that fifth set. I don't know if we were mentally tired or if Raleigh just came out stronger in the fifth set, but we were out-matched."