PACE — Early in the season, Pace High School’s girls volleyball team already has identified one area of improvement.
“They just have to have a better chemistry with each other on the floor,” Coach Mark Gough said. “They got to trust each other and communicate with each other, and then (there’s) the execution of the little things. That is what’s killing us right now.”
Heading into Wednesday’s match at Navarre High School, Pace has a 1-3 record. On Thursday, the team will be at home to face district rival Pensacola High School.
In addition to seeing serving improvements, Gough said issues include footwork and communication when the ball is in play.
“They support each other, but they are still having to learn to communicate,” Gough said. “We have some athleticism; we got a few positions that are really stepping up.”
Gough said he is confident his team will address any concerns as the season continues.
Grace McCammon, a sophomore who plays setter and opposite for the team, said this year’s squad is still working out the kinks.
“I think we are all pretty hard working and we have a strong bond,” she said. “We can come together and figure things out.”
Teammate Alexis Van Norman, who in her junior year is playing at setter and right-side hitter, said the team will come around.
“We are starting to play past the nerves and starting to play like we know we can,” she said.
Confidence will definitely be needed when they face district opponents within the next couple of weeks.
Van Norman looks forward to the challenge.
“I like the fact that we have hard teams that we are playing,” she said. “I know that will make us better in the long run.
“Even though we may not win playing harder teams, it always makes you play better, you want to play up to their level.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pace volleyball team looks to improve on chemistry