Pena Previews Season As Lady Pirates Set Sail For NEO Tuesday

Pena Previews Season As Lady Pirates Set Sail For NEO Tuesday
Posted: Aug 20, 2018

INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - With the regular season quickly approaching, Independence has taken advantage of the preseason to build confidence.

Friday, the Lady Pirates went 2-0-2, defeating the Labette Cardinals and Langston Tigers while also tying the Oklahoma Wesleyan Owls and defending NJCAA national champions Coffeyville.

Saturday, the Lady Pirates traveled to El Dorado for the KJCCC scrimmage at Butler Community College to close out pre-season play. The Lady Pirates defeated the Allen County Red Devils and tied Fort Scott, Cloud County and Dodge City to set the tone for the regular season.

"My expectations are to work hard to achieve our goals and finish in the top four in the KJCCC," coach Daniela Pena said. "We have many talented players on our team this season that bring a lot to the table and give us many opportunities to succeed this season and grow as a program.

"Hannia Rios has come a long way to get to where she is. She knows how to move the offense with her quickness along with her leadership and high IQ for the game. Her passion for volleyball, along with her speed and skill set, will give us many chances to get wins on the season."

There's Kylie Shanahan who is a very consistent passer at the libero position and is a key factor for both of defense and offense. 
"She did great on Friday and Saturday combining for 2.8 digs per match in consecutive days. This very important because without precise passing and consistent digs there is no way to execute any form of offense and your defense will struggle."

 

Then there's Destiny Thomas, an explosive and strong player that is expected to provide a major impact.

"I believe that her presence and impact she will have this season will get her a lot of looks from Division 1 schools," Pena added.

With the success of the preseason, the team's expectations are higher than ever since Pena's arrival. The goal is postseason play for the first time in her four years at the helm.

"I think that our strongest point will be defensively and be able to put the ball away," she said. "Our hitters are not very tall, but they're very skilled and aggressive on the court. Watching them hustle on the court will be very intense for the fan base to come watch.

"This season, we are playing in the Western Division of the KJCCC for the first time, and there are many teams that I am not familiar with, but I know that if we work hard and continue to improve throughout the season we should perform very well and have the success that we desire."

The Lady Pirates travel to 14th-ranked Northeastern Oklahoma A&M for their last scrimmage Tuesday.