LAKE CHARLES—McNeese volleyball began preparing for the 2021 season Friday morning with their first fall team practice in two years. It also marked the first fall practice that second year head coach
Kristee Porter had with her team.
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic and hurricanes Laura and Delta last fall, the Cowgirls didn't have fall workouts and the season was eventually postponed to the spring in which only a conference schedule was played.
Porter and her staff will work rapidly by implementing a lot in a short amount of time. They will work on getting the players acclimated to Cowgirl Volleyball and making sure they understand the expectations of the program. Ball control is a big aspect as well as offensive and defensive systems, something Porter says needs to be developed quickly.
"We are really excited to get everyone on the court again," said Porter. "Hopefully it's going to be a lot different than last year where we really didn't get a chance to practice during the fall. It already feels better getting this one practice under our belt.
Not only did the Cowgirls have to play their 2020 season in the spring but they had to play home games at SP Arnett Middle School in Sulphur due to damages to The Legacy Center, its usual home facility.
The facility is currently being remodeled and won't be ready for this volleyball season, but the Cowgirls will return to campus where they will play all their home matches at the Ralph O. Ward Rec Complex.
"Our players are really happy about being able to play on campus this year. Student support was one of the things we missed last season. For our returnees and especially players new to our campus, being able to be a part of the community and feel connected is important."
There are a lot of new faces on the 2021 squad including 10 true freshmen and three transfers and Porter will rely on her returnees to help lead the way.
"We have a lot of new faces on the team and it's fun to see the new players interact with our returners. We are going to depend a lot on our returners, and they do such an excellent job. They pretty much know what the expectation is. We expect them to fill in and give information, be as helpful as possible."
Returning from last season will be lone senior
Regan Stiawalt, juniors
Macee Krpec and
Kendall Glueck, sophomores
Baylee Laskoskie and
Bria Plante, and redshirt freshman
Ceci Harness.
"It's really nice to have strong leadership on the team. It takes a lot of pressure off the coaching staff to have to be the only eyes and voice in the gym. They do a good job of making sure everyone understands and making sure we are on the same page.
Porter has announced that her team captains this season will be Stiawalt and Laskoskie.
"We love having them as our captains. They make sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing."
Fans will be able to get their first glimpse of the Cowgirls on Saturday, Aug. 14 in its Blue/Gold scrimmage. The Cowgirls will also host Louisiana Tech (Aug. 21) in a scrimmage before opening the regular season at the North Texas Invitational on Aug. 27.
Admission for all home matches will be free.
2021 Cowgirl Home Schedule
Aug. 14 Blue/Gold Scrimmage 5 p.m.
Aug. 21 La. Tech (Scrimmage) 2 p.m.
Aug. 31 Lamar 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 7 UL-Monroe 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 Prairie View 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21 Texas Southern 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 *Nicholls 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 *New Orleans 1 p.m.
Oct. 21 *Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 23 *Incarnate Word 1 p.m.
Oct. 28 *Southeastern La. 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 30 *Northwestern State 1 p.m.
Nov. 11 *Houston Baptist 6:30 p.m.
*-Southland Conference Match
