MORGAN HILL -- When Sobrato's new volleyball coaches introduced themselves to the Lady Bulldogs this offseason, the program's rich history wasn't the first thing that came to mind for the staff.
"Right away, I noticed there was really a lack of unity with the players," said Diana Melendez, who, along with head coach Bob Mehe'ula, came to Sobrato after coaching for several years at Notre Dame High School in Belmont. "It was very important to get them to gel. To do that, we just make sure their focus is on what they love most."
That's winning championships. Sobrato's veterans missed out on doing so for the first time in three seasons last year. After winning the West Valley Division in 2006 and the Santa Teresa Division in 2007, the Bulldogs have their sights on the Mount Hamilton Division crown that escaped them in 2008.
"We want to go to CCS -- and we want our banner back!" senior Kelsey Westall said. "We missed that last year. We all want it this year."
After Tuesday's season-opening loss -- 18-25, 16-25, 16-25 -- to Lynbrook, Westall and her teammates admitted they have work to do. The right pieces appear to be in place; Sobrato just needs to bring them together.
"We kind of have the basics down. We have to bring those to the court," said senior middle blocker Kelly Kreulen, one of four returning varsity veterans. "Talking will be our biggest strength this year. If we can communicate out there, we're going to have a great season."
Sobrato has big outside ond-team all-leaguer Kayla Unger, plus a pair of 5-foot-11 front-row starters in Kreulen and Jessica Westall, Kelsey's little sister. Jessica, a sophomore outside/opposite hitter, was all over the floor Tuesday, collecting four kills, two aces, two digs, a stuff-block and an assist.
"She's doing a great job," Kelsey said. "The younger girls are pulling their weight."
It helps having the Bulldogs' caliber of veterans. Melendez expects each of them to set an example this fall.
"The returning players own their positions, which makes them better leaders for the newer girls," she said. "I expect them to grow as much in this one season as they have the last three seasons -- and for them to go out with a bang."
Sobrato's long tradition of talented setters continues this year with senior Brenda Trevizan and junior Kayla McElvy.
"They're really making an impact," Kreulen said. "We've always played with great setters. It's nice having that again this year."
The Bulldogs' chief concern in the next two weeks will be improving their defense. They begin league play Sept. 22 at Leland.
"Our offense is good when it occurs, but our defense is lacking," Melendez said. "It's coming around, though. A lot of it is because ... they're starting to come together as a unit versus being an individual on the court."
Scott J. Adams Scott J. Adams covers Morgan Hill sports for South Valley Newspapers. Send him an email or call him at 779-4106.
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