Friday, Oct. 10, 2008

Reading the Defense

CHHS Volleyball

By John English

Contributing Writer

Colleyville Heritage volleyball coach Libby Pacheco has had a number of players really step up for her this season, not the least of which is outside hitter Hilary Koch.

Koch helped the Panthers to a 7-1 district start this season, and Pacheco said she brings a lot to the team.

The Panthers lost to Keller on Tuesday, and they visit Trinity tonight at 6:30.

"This is her third year on the varsity, and she has a lot of experience playing at that level," Pacheco said of Koch. "Right now, she is providing a lot of offense for our team. She’s doing a good job for us and is really stepping up for us this year. She is a very big offensive threat."

Koch said she has tried to assume a leadership role on the team this season and help the team achieve its objectives.

"I try to bring a positive attitude," Koch said. "Personally, I wanted to improve on my blocking skills and passing skills this season. As a team, our major goal is to make it to the playoffs, and another one was to be one of the top three teams in the district."

Koch said there is a different atmosphere on this year’s team than there was last season.

"Last year, we had a lot of seniors, but we didn’t have as much leadership," Koch said. "I think we have better leadership this year, which has helped the team dynamic."

Koch said she hopes to play college volleyball, but has not decided where at this point, and said she spends her down time from volleyball pursuing another passion.

"I am an avid reader," Koch said. "I read as much as possible. I love the The Twilight Series."

Koch said, in order for Colleyville Heritage to make the playoffs this year, the team cannot become overconfident.

"We have big targets on our back, because we are the number-one team right now," Koch said. "I think it’s good for us to stay grounded and keep doing our job on the court."

Pacheco said she will rely heavily on Koch down the stretch to provide Colleyville Heritage with strong play and help the Panthers make the playoffs.

"Right now, she is very critical," Pacheco said. "In fact, in the past couple of matches, she’s shown that she can be an effective defensive player as well. I know that is something that she has wanted to work on for a while, and she has. Whenever you have someone who has been around for three years, and you can put them in on the front row or back row, that’s pretty crucial."