SPEEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

The varsity volleyball team enters Wednesday’s Marion County tournament opener at Franklin Central with a 14-4 record and a 3-2 record in ICC play. The start to this season is the best in nearly a decade. Even with a favorable draw in play this week, the Sparkplugs find that it’s more important just to be getting better each day. “County is always a good opportunity to play against tough competition but it has never been a high priority,” said head coach Sadie Pflum. “It has always been fun to be the underdog and shake things up for our fellow Marion County schools that are usually much bigger.” Junior setter Laney Jarrett agrees on the underdog comment with her coach but she places higher importance on the tournament results. “I feel like it (County) could be a breakthrough moment for our team because nobody expects us to compete with the high-level teams.” So how did the team get to this point of the season winning nearly 80% of their matches? “I knew the caliber of the players that were entering and returning to the program so I had a pretty good idea of the talent level,” noted Pflum. “Ultimately you never know how your team is going to do before you actually see action because there are intangibles in every sport … team chemistry, athletes staying healthy, leadership. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, but not surprised.” For Jarrett, flexibility and skill development seem to be another two keys to the team’s success this fall. “We actually can put people in different situations this year and now we trust everyone more and that they can make something happen,” said Jarrett. In thirteen seasons, Pflum’s teams have won six sectional championships and the team advanced to the state championship match in 2015. There is a key intangible to the program’s success. “My goal has always been to peak at the end of the season when winning matters,” said Pflum. “The coaching staff plan to keep improving various player skills and build on our current foundation.“ “With so many games, practice time is precious and we focus on small adjustments and improvements that will make big impacts as all the puzzle pieces are put together,” said Pflum. The emphasis on practice progress is not lost on Jarrett. “We focus each day on running different types of offense and on individual things more based on things we notice during match play,” said Jarrett. “This year it is very competitive with positions and playing time,” added Jarrett. “Everyone wants to get in and so everyone is pushing themselves individually. We realize this year that nobody’s spot is saved, anything can happen at any time. It causes people to push themselves to think about their decisions.” So, at this point of the season with IHSAA tournament play coming up in early October, where does the team stack up? “I am really proud of the team mentality and (the) leadership shown this year,” said Pflum. “Whether girls play all the time, rarely play, or get subbed, everyone is supportive and positive of the overall goal.” Spark notes: Earlier this month, libero Peyton Ridge passed the career 1000 digs mark. Speedway, Scecina, Monrovia, and Cascade each have two losses in ICC play. Those four teams trail Triton Central and Lutheran who just have one loss. Speedway has ICC matches remaining with Beech Grove and Monrovia. Speedway will honor seniors Amber Chaplin, Alex DeLisle, Daniella Galvez, and Madison Smith at their final home match of the season next Thursday (October 5th) when they host Beech Grove.