James Joseph Whitney Sr.
September 15, 2009
Genevieve D. Carlos
September 17, 2009
Thibodaux High’s Lady Tigers volleyball team has reached postseason play four consecutive years, only to be turned away in the first round by superior opponents.
A streak like that can be mentally draining or, as in the case of the 2009 team, motivating.
Head coach Allison Tauzin said the squad’s vibe is different this season.
Led by three seniors with valuable playing experience – Aerial Breaux, Shelbi Folse and Jhavon Lillie – the Lady Tigers exploded to a quick 3-1 start entering this weekend’s Casey Kozminski volleyball tournament.
Tauzin credits the early success on her team’s ability to play together. As long as players stick to the fundamentals, the coach is optimistic for the Lady Tigers’ longevity.
“We have to keep improving and know that the fundamentals of volleyball are going to follow us throughout the season,” she said. “They have to keep their head on straight and stay positive. It’s a great group of girls and I’m happy to have them.
“We can certainly be successful with the right mindset,” she added.
Tauzin is looking for her eight juniors – Beth Barrilleaux, Andre’a Foote, Taylor Ford, Jarranisha Henderson, Alyssa Martinez, Alyssa Rodrigue, Stacy Theriot and Kelsey Thibodeaux – to step into their roles and also be leaders on the court.
They’ll help mold sophomores Alissa Amedee and Amber Clement and freshman Kayla Bland, who will see playing time on the court in the future.
With the district opener set for Sept. 29 against H.L. Bourgeois, the Lady Tigers have tonight’s game against Ellender, this weekend’s tournament hosted by Morgan City and separate games against Morgan City and volleyball powerhouse Assumption to ready themselves.
Tauzin admits that there is still work to be done.
At times this season, the team has struggled serving.
In an earlier match against the East St. John Lady Cats, the Lady Tigers relinquished 14 points because of service errors.
There were also communication breakdowns that led to points for their opponents.
Tauzin hopes to use the remaining games to correct those things.
“Serving is one thing and our overall communication is another,” she said of the team’s current weaknesses. “Sometimes it’s there and sometimes it’s not. When we have it together, we play well. But when it’s not there, we lose a lot of confidence. We need to play at a high level every time and not have those breakdowns.”
The Lady Tigers are also working on maintaining intensity when they are ahead in the game.
“When we have a big lead, we have to put (opponents) away,” she said. “We can’t feel sorry for anyone because they don’t feel sorry for us. We have to go out there and get it done. But it’s still early and I’m confident the girls will come through.”
With expected powerhouses Terrebonne and H.L. Bourgeois also in the Lady Tigers’ district, Tauzin knows her team is going to be tested. She hopes the Lady Tigers fly under the radar through the playoffs.
“It’s a very tough district and we have to play our best volleyball,” she said. “If we can get it together and keep it together, I don’t see why we can’t be competitive.”
Thibodaux’s Jhavon Lillie taps the ball over the net against the East St. John Lady Cats last week. The Lady Tigers are looking to build on a quick 3-1 start to the season. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER
