Charles Kaloustian
The 2005 Pierce College women’s volleyball team (23-4) seemed a bit unpredictable at the start of the season since all but one player from 2004 departed. Leave it up to 15 freshmen and one returning sophomore to take the women’s volleyball team two games away from being state champions.
Heading into his eighth season, excited and anticipating a successful season, coach Nabil Mardini is not planning to look back.
“I will not accept anything less than a championship,” said Mardini. “Let’s put it this way, I wouldn’t have taken this job seven years ago if this wasn’t my ultimate goal. I promised myself that I’m going to win it.”
Never letting his guard down or settling from sub-par performances, Mardini and the success of teams from past and present have definitely put this program on the map.
“It helps when you’re winning. Your reputation is out there and people are coming to see you,” said Mardini. “I have two players from Hart High School (Newhall) coming next season. It’s a big thing for me when players that live five minutes away from COC (College of the Canyons) come and play for me.”
As for finishing the season 4th in state, winning the Western Conference Championship five consecutive seasons, going undefeated in WSC Southern Division (10-0) and being only two games away from winning the state title, two word can sum the team success: awesome and quality.
Awesome and quality are just a few words to describe the team but also synonymous with sophomore standout Meredith Rice.
Named to last season’s 2nd Team All Conference and Conference co-Most Valuable Player, the team’s co-captain was a lightning bolt out on the court. It’s no wonder why the USC volleyball team is scouting her.
As for her feelings about next season, Rice is more than confident that the state title is within reach.
Look out for her to be the voice of the returning players, as well as a mentor to the new recruits.
“Last year, we built our own form of leadership and trust within each other,” said Rice. “This year, all the girls returning will lead the way for the new players joining. At times the struggle is to set an example because were not used to be the veterans.”
With the Fall 2006 slowly season approaching, Mardini’s well-polished team has their eyes set on the prize and with talented players, eclipsing last season’s achievements should not be hard.
“You don’t go 23-4 overall with luck. You don’t go undefeated in league with luck,” said Mardini. “Creating opportunity and the harder you work is luck to me.”
Players to watch out for in the upcoming season are returning sophomores Meredith Rice, Ebony Tidwell, Ashley Boss and Kristen Gorman. Also keep a close eye on the future of the team with freshman Ashley Lugo from Pine Ridge High School in Deltona, Florida.