Friday, Aug. 15, 2008

Sibling Impact

CHHS Volleyball

By John English

Contributing Writer

As the Colleyville Heritage volleyball team tries to claim one of the top four spots in district this season, coach Libby Pacheco said she will rely on a set of siblings who have already made their mark on the Lady Panthers team.

Cassandra and Hillary Desmarais will play on the varsity squad together this season, and Pacheco said each sister brings her own unique style.

"Cassy has been part of our program for four years," Pacheco said. "Hillary is a sophomore. Combined, I think they have brought a sense of loyalty and team spirit to Colleyville. They are both very different players. Cassy is really athletic, quick and really a go-getter. She plays all-out and really hard all the time.

"Hillary is really soft-spoken and definitely a finesse player. It has been really fun to have them both on the team."

Cassandra is moving to the setter position this season, and while she is confident she can handle it, she said it will be an adjustment.

"I’m moving from outside hitter to setter, so I am trying to hopefully be a good setter," Cassandra said. "We only have four seniors, so we are trying to show good leadership."

Cassandra said her goal for the season is for the Lady Panthers to make the postseason and finish in the top two in district.

Hillary said she wants to be more of a role player this season and keep everyone positive and enthusiastic and said that for Colleyville Heritage to make the playoffs, the team needs to do a couple of things.

"We’re going to have to stay consistent and block a lot of balls, since we have height this year," Hillary said.

Pacheco said she believes the Desmarais sisters will have a big impact on the team this season and said one of the things she appreciates most is the fact that they are both team players.

"Hillary was our co-offensive player of the year last year," Pacheco. "She also earned all-district honors in 2007. Cassy this year has become our setter. She was not our setter last year, but we had a need there, and she’s kind of the spark for our team and provides leadership. She stepped up in the off-season and said she would be happy to do it. Those are the kind of players you need."