Junior Madisyn Keys hits a spike against Oakmont.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lady Lancers have enjoyed a strong start to their season, accumulating a solid 8-5 preseason record heading into Metro League play this week. The team is playing much better volleyball than a season ago, but the team knows the improvement truly began during the growing pains that occurred last fall. 

Last year, the team was comprised of mostly inexperienced underclassmen with some playing the game for the first time. Fast forward through an offseason and summer of hard work and determination, and you see a group who is far more confident and prepared for the task at hand. 

Head Coach Jaimee Stevenson give her team a pep talk during a time out against Oakmont.

“This years’ team is a more seasoned team,” Lady Lancers’ Head Coach Jaimee Stevenson said. “Last year I pulled a lot of girls up (from junior varsity) out of necessity. But we only graduated one senior, so these are girls who have played together and battled through last year which was tough. We poured a lot of energy last year into setting goals and celebrating those goals. The journey and the grit has built a lot of gel and resilience. Even in some of the losses we’ve had this year, they’ve battled. We’ve also taken some wins from teams who beat us last year as well.”

Seven of their eight victories thus far have been in impressive fashion, shutting out their opponents in three sets. But now with league play getting underway this week, the group knows they have to step things up a notch in an ever-competitive Metro League. 

“They are really excited,” Stevenson said. “The entire volleyball community (program) is really excited. They feel like they are ready.”

Sophomore Rowan Ankaa digs the ball on the serve by Oakmont.

Standouts for the Lady Lancers early on include senior libero Isabel Stevenson, whose 34 service aces rank second among all league opponents coming into the week. She has also racked up an impressive 114 digs, far and away leading Cordova in that category. She has certainly taken her game to a new level in her senior season as one of the teams' top leaders. 

“She has been a solid player for us for a long time,” Stevenson said. “I would say her serving has been really beneficial, I think she's second in the league in aces. We've made this rule where ‘You’ve got to get the un-gettable.’ You’ve got to try. No ifs, ands, or butts. No fear. Better out than in the net. If it’s in the net, it’s fear-based. If it’s out, there's power behind that.”

Additionally, junior middle blocker Asena Qoro has been a strong presence around the net. Her 38 blocks to this point are good for 2nd in the entire Sac Joaquin Section Division I, and her tenacity has helped set the tone for her team.  

“She’s such a gentle spirit,” Stevenson said. “But this year she's locked into beast mode more. I think she's only beginning to unlock her potential the more ferocious she gets.”

Senior Brie Colianna hits a hard spike for a crucial point against Oakmont.

Other top contributors include junior outside hitter Madisyn Keys, who leads the team in kills (52) after having to sit out most of last season due to injury. The team has also benefited greatly from their entire back row, who has consistently generated strong serve/receive. Lastly, senior Brie Colianna has impressed with her all around effort according to her coach.

After Metro League matchups at West Park and home against McClatchy this week (results not available at press time), the Lady Lancers travel to Kennedy this Monday, Sept. 28 for another critical league showdown at 6:30 p.m. They next play at home on Wednesday, Sept. 30 when they host visiting Grant at 6:30 p.m. inside the auxiliary gym.

Juniors Asena Qoro (left) and Annabelle Cody successfully make block against Oakmont.