After starting the season winning three of their first nine matches, the Centralia College Lady Blazers did not pick up another win as they lost their last 22 matches finishing the season with a 3-29 record.
The Blazers first win came against Umpqua and last two wins over Olympic.
Centralia had a good start but was hit with an injury bug that challenged an inexperienced freshman team.
“Our season did start very well,” said Blazer coach Sarah Maiava.
“Yet with a few injuries sustained to a few key players, it did snag up our system more than anticipated.”
The injuries started in the first tournament of the season when middle blocker Avery Evans broke her foot. Injuries continued when one of Centralia’s outside hitters sprained her ankle and was out for two weeks along with a starting setter who tore a tendon in her ankle in a match against Clark.
Unfortunately, injuries weren’t the only health issue that hindered Centralia’s play this season.
The women were also hit hard by the flu and were once forced to reschedule one of their games due to lack of healthy players.
With all of those problems, stability was not one of the Blazers strong points, but the women seemed to be able to pull together and roll with the punches.
“The stability of a team has not been my experience yet,” Maiava said. “The best advantage is to have athletes who can adjust to the unexpected, which is what we had with as many injuries and the flu getting to us in mid-season.”
With the season ending on a sting of losses Maiava said disappointment was a factor but she focused on player progression and development while staying positive and seeing the good in every match.
“It was awesome to win some matches. We did have some great moments of rallies, wins, and individual victories, so I’m proud of those events,” Maiava said. “I felt like this team was stronger and more competitive at times than I have seen in any of my previous years and I feel good about the effort and experience gained.”
Ron Kellar took over the assistant coaching position before the season and Maiava said the two mixed their philosophies and it was great working with him for the first time.
“Having Ron as a new addition this year added so much intensity to our game and he really provided a technical knowledge that immensely improved many of the athletes passing skills and attacking range,” Maiava said.
Danette Kahle, Hilary Luhn and Chelsey Larson were a few of Centralia’s bright spots all making the North West Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) statistical lists in various categories including digs, blocks and serving aces.
“Their personal gains are monumental,” said Maiava. “Each was in the top five overall for the NWAACC so that is definitely something to cheer about.”
With their outstanding play both sophomores on the team, Kahle and Luhn, were selected as honorable mentions to the Western Division All-Stars.
“I have really enjoyed both players and it is always sad to see the sophomores move on after being with them for two years,” Maiava said. “Both girls have always been on the academic list for their two years at Centralia College maintaining GPA's above 3.5, and are super responsible, smart, and fantastic young ladies. They are going to do so well in their future goals.”
Looking ahead to next season, Centralia should be a more experienced team as only two players graduate, however Maiava knows there is still a lot of improvement to make.
“I know that this team put their heart into it and I know that they will learn from this year to be better players for the next,” Maiava said “These girls have the strengths to win but need to be greatly improved for next season.”
As this season showed with injuries and sickness you can never predict what is in store.
“I think it is difficult to say that next season we will do better, it is more important to say that we need to focus on every moment,” Maiava said. “Especially with a two year college, because you just never know what is going to happen with a team.”
Maiava said that she so greatly appreciated everybody at the home games who helped.
“Every home game is great due to the many people who help with stats, scoring, line judges, concessions, fliers, nets, chairs, and clean-up,” Maiava said. “I so appreciate it, and know that Centralia College supports the volleyball program.”
Coach Maiava had one last message to everybody who supported the Lady Blazers this season.
“I want to thank all of our super fans that have continually come to watch the team, the staff at Centralia College who continue to have supportive comments for the girls and the fantastic athletic department who have made the flow of our season so great. I am always so thankful every season for that support.”
Blazers have rough season behind slew of injuries
Published: Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 18:11
 "Photo: N/A")
Centralia College Lady Blazers (front row from left) Chelsea Larson, Mandy Reynolds, Denise Gibbs, Danette Kahle, Courtney Dudley, Asst. Coach Ron Kellar (back row from left) Head Coach Sarah Maiava, Corissa Beairsto, Avery Evans, Lara McElvain, Laina Potter, Jonika McMillian, Jayme Ahmann, Hilary Luhn
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