State volleyball players progress

With five training sessions remaining before the 2019 National Junior Championships, Volleyball Horsham’s state players are progressing nicely.

Tamikah Dockrill and Laelah Robertson have been selected in the Victoria White under-19 girls team, Cleo Baker the Victoria White under-17 girls team, and John Kearns the Victoria Gold under-17 boys team.

To complement the players selected in state teams, Volleyball Horsham coaches Shaun Bray and Delaney Wills have taken over the Victoria Gold under-17 girls team as they venture into the state coaching program for the first time.

Dockrill, who will represent the state for a second time, is the key middle blocker for her team, and is coming on well according to first-year Mazenod coach John Dal Santo.

“Tamikah has been impressive in our practice matches against the Blue team, especially her blocking, which is her strength,” he said.

“She is also starting to build a good connection with our setters with her middle quick attacks, which is important as well.”

Dal Santo was full of praise for Robertson, who, as a bottom aged player, has bought energy and commitment to the group.

“Laelah is fantastic as she gives her all and has the right personality around the group,” he said.

Baker will be a key player in her team as she participates in her fourth national championships.

Her coach, Latrobe Valley’s Glenn Trembath, is pushing the Murtoa College youngster all the way as he broadens her knowledge of the game.

“We’ll be playing a different style to what we’ve done in the past and Cleo is learning a whole new way, which is good for her development,” he said.

Mildura coach Chris Hermans said Kearns has been impressive all the way through the training program, both from a skill and leadership perspective.

“John is comfortable talking with the boys and his all-round game is developing to the point where he could be playing as a setter, libero, defensive specialist or pass hitter,” he said.

All coaches were pleased the players are putting into practice what they have learned at state training.

“We know the Volleyball Horsham players are getting good training back in Horsham, as well as the hard match play they need in the lead up to the championships,” Hermans said.

“It makes our job so much easier when this occurs.”

There is still opportunity for boys and girls interested in playing to join the Monday night Volleyball Horsham junior competition. There are some teams looking for players. Interested players can email info@volleyballhorsham.com.au for details.