Tigers look to make leap

Stephanie Oubre
Stephanie Oubre is among a deep squad of returning players at Hahnville.

Hahnville volleyball coach Mendi Leboeuf likes what she sees from her Lady Tigers during their summer work. It’s easy to understand why.The team will return its full lineup from last season in 2016 and Leboeuf says her players have progressed well during their time participating in team camps over the past few weeks. The team camps allow the Tigers to work with and face off against other teams in exhibition action.

“We’ve been doing well,” Leboeuf said. “We’re making some upgrades to our game and its showing. These camp (games) aren’t so much about wins and losses as they give you a chance to try different lineups, different combinations and see what works and what doesn’t. “

Leboeuf said the chance to bring back an entire squad “doesn’t happen that often,” and as such, she’s enjoying that prospect.

“It’s definitely an exciting position to be in,” she said.

One of the top producers figures to again be Kylie Roux, the senior to be and top Tigers hitting threat. Leboeuf said Roux has raised her game that much more since last season, specifically showing a greater ability to harness her hitting skills.

“She’s always been a good offensive player, but now she’s got a greater ability to place the ball,” Leboeuf said. “She’s hitting it where she wants to hit the ball. It’s a sign of her maturity as a player. She’s a strong, all-around player.”

Among other top returnees are Stephanie Oubre, another of the Tigers’ best hitters, setter Ellie Bergeron and libero Gabby Constant. All three were among those Leboeuf noted had tremendous summers.

Bergeron has been doing a strong job distributing the ball while Constant’s communication has been glue for the Tigers defensively, Leboeuf said.

One area she said the team can find improvement in is passing upon receiving the serve. While she said the team has shown a marked improvement in its serving aptitude, the former will be an area of emphasis.

“Our first touch on the ball is paramount,” she said.

Leboeuf added that while the returning lineup is largely solidified due to so many returning players, the team’s incoming freshmen class shows much promise.

“With young players, it’s always a work in progress, but we’ve got a pretty good influx of players,” Leboeuf said.

 

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