Wolves stay on the prowl in title chase
Young Westside spikers prepared for fight in District 18-6A
The Westside volleyball program has experienced great heights during Andre King’s tenure as head coach, sharing a district title with Bellaire in 2011 and winning it outright in 2013.
But King believes his sixth season could bring another championship to the Wolves, who plan to push Bellaire and Lamar for the District 18-6A crown.
“We have five seniors, so we have some experience,” King said. “Our freshman team went undefeated in district last year and we’re playing four sophomores and a ninth-grader on the varsity. We’re going to have to rely on some young kids. Fortunately, they’re really talented.”
King considers defense Westside’s biggest asset, with senior Noura Mahaini paving the way. The 5-foot-4 libero is a returning first-team all-district performer.
“Noura is a fiery player,” King said. “She’s one of our best passers and does a nice job getting the ball to her teammates. She is the key to our offense.”
But Nicole Sagarra, a 5-5 sophomore, is fighting for court time. Sagarra is a libero/defensive specialist with tremendous skills.
“Nicole reads the defense well and knows how to attack from the back row,” King said.
Mahaini and Sagarra should make life easier for 5-6 senior Eleni Perezous and 5-6 sophomore Mallori Sims, Westside’s new setters.
“Eleni is in her second year on the varsity, but Mallori,” King said. “Setter is an area where I know we’ll improve over time.”
Ayana Robinson, a 5-9 senior, is back at right side hitter. Robinson earned honorable mention alldistrict accolades a year ago.
“Ayana is a left-handed hitter,” King said. “She plays with a lot of intensity and blocks and hits well. We’re counting on her to lead the team.”
Westside will rotate several players at outside hitter. Courtney Smith, a 5-8 senior, has battled injuries during her career, but Smith brings “outstanding ball control,” according to King.
Others to watch at outside hitter include 5-8 sophomore Shaska Davis, regarded as one of the Wolves’ finest shotmakers, and 5-9 freshman Kylah Carter.
Kaitlyn Culpepper, a 5-7 junior, is a right side hitter with plenty of potential.
“Kaitlyn jumps high and is very strong,” King said. “Her hitting has really improved.”
At middle blocker, Westside will turn to 6-0 sophomore Maiya Pena and 5-10 junior Alyssa Parks or possibly Davis.
“Our middles are all new,” King said, “but they are getting better.”
Rounding out the varsity are 5-8 junior defensive specialist Alexis Brancato and 5-7 senior utility player Mabel Tsado.
The Wolves, who opened the 2016 season against Houston Christian earlier this week, will compete at the BSN Volleyball Classic, co-hosted by the Katy and Cy-Fair school districts, this week. The three-tournament will run from ThursdaySaturday, Aug. 11-13.