Key Returnees Healed and Ready For Mustang VB Action
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usShe may still be a relative unknown to opponents, but within the Mustang volleyball program Ashlyn Anduha already has made her presence known.
“It’s a different Ashlyn from last year to this year,” coach Roberta Downey said of Anduha, a 5-8 junior outside hitter. “She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with on the left side. She’s been unbelievable.
“Playing year-round with one of the best volleyball clubs on the Island (Maunalani) has really helped her.”
Anduha’s progress has been one of the highlights of fall camp as the Lady Mustangs prepare for their OIA East Red opener next Monday versus Kalani. Another positive development has been the return to the court of senior Jowell Guerriero, who missed all of 2009 with a torn ACL. She is projected to play opposite Anduha.
“We’re just happy she’s healthy,” Downey said. “She’ll be our go-to hitter.”
The pair will join key returnees Shauna Santos, Lindsey Kamakana and Paris Bell. “All five returnees came back really strong and ready to play leading roles for us on the court,” said Downey.
On the defensive side, the coach is expecting big things from Santos, the team’s senior libero.
“She’s our best defensive player. Right now, she’s the leader of the defense. She’s only 5-1, but she makes our passing go.”
Kamakana will hold time as an outside hitter, while Makua is a middle blocker. “Lindsey is a lefty,” Downey explained. “Her forte is digging balls in the back. She and Shauna work well together.
Bell is a junior and will also play middle blocker. “She brings versatility. She also played year-round, got better and better.”
Throughout her lineup, Downey likes the athleticism, not to mention depth on the outside. “Our strength is definitely our hitters - we have hitters all over the place - and we have good defense. Setter is our biggest concern because we want to be able to run quick sets. When they get the reps, and we get them (setters) set, this team could be unstoppable.”
Downey, who starred at Kamehameha and New Mexico State during her own playing days, is entering her second season as both boys and girls coach at Kalaheo. She updated her coaching staff during the off-season, adding Colleen Tafai (JV), Edna Walker (Blue Team) and Vena Naihe (varsity assistant).
Despite making the OIA East Red playoffs last year, the Mustangs were still among three schools that moved down to the White Division when the leagues were re-shuffled. That could prove a good omen since Kalaheo won an OIA DII title in 2006 during its last run in the White.
Following its opener at home with Kalani, the Mustangs will play their next two on the road against Roosevelt Aug. 26 and Waialua Aug. 30. Kalani and Roosevelt are familiar foes, given that they were in the East Red along with the Mustangs a year ago.
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