For the greater part of a decade, Pierce volleyball has been one of the premier programs in the Northern Section. This season, with a new coach, new system, and new group of athletes, the Bears begin their quest to carry on that tradition.
Coach Lisa Burnum takes the reins of a squad, which lost seven players to graduation last year. Â
Burnum has just three varsity returners and is turning to three underclassmen to step into key positions. As a result, an adjustment period is to be expected, but the Bears are not making excuses. Instead, the Bears are focusing on getting better every day.
” We are a work in progress at this point because we are learning a new system, but I believe our positioning and passing will be good,” said Burnum, the first-year head coach, who also stressed that hustle, intensity, and open communication would be key to the teams success.
However, one advantage the Bears will have is familiarity, as Burnum recently coached these same players when they attended Johnson Junior High.
Facilitating the 6-2 system will be a pair of sophomores in Jamie Figueroa and Laura Rivera, who will have a number of options on the attack starting with a group of junior outside hitters that includes returner Joceyln Medina, along with Cindy Corona and Kallie Stassi.
Three seniors will figure into the rotation with Jaylianna Valencia, another returning varsity player, leading the way as she holds down the middle. Bethany Regnani can play opposite and hit from the outside, and Caidence Lopez provides another option at opposite.
Juniors Cassandra Sanchez and Tatum Mulqueeny will see time in the back row, while freshman Macey Myers steps in as the libero, taking over for her sister, Betsy, a three-year starter at the position before graduating last spring.
The young and relatively unproven Bears will be tested early and often in the preseason as they compete in both the Chico and Sutter tournaments, in addition to engaging in multiple contacts with teams from Woodland and Davis.
The trial by fire is necessary preparation if Pierce is going to compete in the realigned Sacramento Valley League that not only includes powerhouses Colusa and Willows, but Durham and East Nicolaus as well.
Although exactly what the Bears bring to the table remains to be seen, look for them to play hard, continue to improve, and strive to take their place in the legacy that is Pierce Bear volleyball.
In its opener on Aug. 13, Pierce fell 25-17, 25-13, 25-9 on the road in Orland, after struggling to serve and receive against a formidable Trojan team.
The Bears (0-1) returned home on Tuesday, August17 to face visiting Gridley, although scores were not available by the Pioneer Review print deadline. –Â
