Getting Ready for Region Play

I think the more that we have these non-region matches, the better off we’re going to be.”

Gilbert volleyball coach Jackie Shealy

With 10 new players and an even more competitive realigned Region 5-3A, the early season schedule is a crucial time for Gilbert volleyball.

As the perennial region champions look to maintain their hold on first place, non-region matches like Tuesday’s three-set win over Airport (25-22, 25-15, 25-17) take an added importance.

“When we go into non region matches, you want to have good quality teams that you're facing just so you can pick up your level of play,” Gilbert head coach Jackie Shealy said. “We always try to bring in a good quality team. So, I think this helps us learn what we're capable, see some weaknesses that we need to continue to work on.”

Shealy is excited about the competitive nature of the region. Along with Orangeburg-Wilkinson, with whom Gilbert has faced two years in a row in a tiebreaker match for the region top seed, Lower Richland and Dreher are its newest rivals.

With several new players, Shealy will rely upon the leadership provided by captain Sara Reed, and juniors Meredith McEnulty and Mackenzie Head.

Gilbert closes out non-region action with matches at Camden Aug. 30 and home against White Knoll Sept. 1. The region opener is Sept. 6 against Lower Richland.

“(The non-region) allows us time to gel as a team out there and still learning because some of these girls haven't played together,” Shealy said. “So, I think the more that we have these non-region matches, the better off we’re going to be.”