More Marble Falls players step up in making most of opportunities

The absence of a top starter for the Marble Falls High School volleyball team meant other Lady Mustangs had the chance to shine during the Warrior Showcase in San Antonio Aug. 19-20.

And they did, said head coach Kait Goertz.

“We played in six matches,” she said. “We saw improvement from one match to the next. It’s hard when you’re running a different lineup and missing a key starter. They started communicating and compensating for the adjustments they had to make. We had players coming off the bench and stepping up in different ways. Everyone contributed in some way. And some players earned themselves some minutes they didn’t have before. We’re excited to see them capitalize moving forward.”

Senior defensive specialists Ciah Denney and Brie Kingsbury wowed their teammates and coaches with their dedication to digging every ball hit to them, Goertz said.

“Brie had a great weekend,” the coach said. “She kept a lot of balls alive for us and made important plays. They were two defensive specialists who stepped up this weekend. They got their chance and they did a lot. I’m excited to see what they can bring to this team.”

Another defensive specialist, junior Leah Nash, showed the depth of her talent while playing in different spots throughout the rotation. The Lady Mustangs needed another outside hitter, and Nash delivered, the coach said. When she wasn’t on the net blocking, she moved to where the other team’s hitter was going to try to spike the ball to end the rally. Instead Nash got the dig. Goertz said Nash’s all-around ability was a big boost for the team that allowed the other Lady Mustangs to stay in their natural positions.

“She never came off the court,” she said. “We realized that was an area we were struggling. We felt like she could help us defensively when she’s not blocking for us.”

Marble Falls welcomes Killeen High Tuesday, Aug. 23, to Max Copeland Gym, 2101 Mustang Drive. The subvarsities play at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity to follow at 6:30 p.m.

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