With solid numbers to build around, New Westminster Secondary senior girls volleyball coach Manny Valoma can envision a happy run as the Burnaby-New West league hits the courts this week.
Although a third of his players are giving the game a try for the first time, he expects enthusiasm and school pride to provide helpful validation.
As part of that reality, the first-year high school coach has set out a simple goal – get better each time out.
“For a lot of these girls it’s a first-time playing this sport. The enthusiasm was there, they’re really pumped and they want to play,” said Valoma, who coaches at the Focus Volleyball Club. “It’s good. I’m glad we were able to play Moscrop and kind of get the nerves out before the season starts.”
New West played its first and only exhibition game this past Monday, beating the Moscrop Panthers’ Team White 3-1.
Being just the third time the Hyacks took to the court together this year – including practices – the result wasn’t as important as the enthusiasm showed during and after the game.
“We take each of these moments as a bit of learning opportunity, if we can. We don’t get a lot of time between sets to try and correct anything, but we try to do what we can,” said Valoma, who shares the coaching duties with NWSS teacher Jeff Meville and daughter Sam Valoma.
Last year’s Hyacks finished 1-6, with their lone win coming against Alpha. They did push Burnaby Mountain twice before falling 3-2 on two occasions. Prior to that, New West over the past 10 years was a middle-of-the-pack program, usually finishing a game under or at .500.
And while Moscrop has the numbers and talent to run two teams – Team White will only play an exhibition schedule, while Team Blue will be one of the powerhouses of the league – New West is targeting a playoff spot. Only two players with the Hyacks also play at the club level, whereas a majority of the Panthers’ players compete with the Apex club.
There’s no doubt there will be growing pains, but Valoma is thankful for having 15 keen players, including a handful of Grade 12s, who come to the court eager to work on their game.
“I think the trickiest part, at this stage, is skill development. It’s trying to get everyone confident in what they can do, and go from there,” he said. “I think (Moscrop) was being kind to us, for sure. I know they’re a very strong team, so for us to hold our own against (Moscrop) that will be good.
“Our goal that we set out is just to improve as the season goes on. It’s a quick season, so we want to come out and keep improving game after game.”
New West opened the regular schedule yesterday (Wednesday, past the Record’s deadline) against Moscrop. Their next test comes Oct. 4 when they host Burnaby North at 6 p.m.
