Golden Eagles ready to play volleyball

Coach Lori Ann Rogers and the Pee Dee Academy Lady Golden Eagles volleyball team have goals to advance their playing skills, become quicker on offense and to challenge for the AA State Championship in 2008.

By: Chris Lane | SCNow
Published: August 21, 2008

A sign over a Pee Dee Academy locker room reads "Tradition Never Graduates." If any high school team in any state playing any sport lives by this saying, it's Golden Eagles volleyball.
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2007, Lori Ann Rogers' squad notched another region crown, the seventh in eight years, and they won their way into the SCISA State Tournament for the astounding 27th consecutive year.
Rogers, a part of two state title teams herself as a player, has coached four more Pee Dee squads to the top. In her 12th season at the helm, she and her team are hungry for more.
"I don't like going to state and leaving early," Rogers remarked of her team's third round exit last season. "I hope that since we have everyone back from last year's team that we can win region and get back to state."
That region, which has expanded this year, includes newcomers Trinity, Williamsburg Academy and The Kings Academy, as well as familiar foes Byrnes, Dillon Christian and Marlboro.
But, Rogers said she is confident her team will be ready.
Six seniors will lead the squad into battle, Rachel Hester and Katherine Rogers at outside hitter, Mallory Nolan at middle block and Kelsey Dozier, who will split time between middle and right. Ginni Reaves McMillan is the team's defensive specialist and Christen Bucy is setter.
The lone junior on the squad is Katelyn Browne, who will be at middle blocker.
Five sophomores round out the team. Jessi Black will be at setter while Anna Shelley will also set and be on defense. Kali Jacobs is another defensive specialist, with Jeffre Rogers and varsity newcomer Taylor Williams at the hitter's positions.
"This is maybe the tallest team I have ever had, so that will be a huge boost up front," said Rogers. "We have looked good in pre-season camps and practices. Already, we look stronger and more consistent." The girls attended camps at Francis Marion University or Clemson University over the summer.
"The girls' goals are to advance their skills, become quicker on offense and to challenge for the AA State Championship this year," Rogers said.
The latter is an honor that has eluded the blue and gold since 2003. But, with eight trophies in the case, history, strong tradition and experience on their side, all of those goals are achievable.
The Golden Eagles' volleyball season began on Aug. 16 in Sumter in the pre-season Tip-Off Tourna

Golden Eagles ready to play volleyball

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