Local volleyball teams enjoy the thrill of competition

Barry Byers Posted July 19, 2010 2:15pm Lady Gladiator Volleyball

Image: Whoa, Wild Thangs! — The Wild Thangs huddle: L to R: Callie Manutai, Haley Bowles, Katie Wingo, Cassidy Svehlak, Zoe Brignon, Brooke Salter and cheer coordinator Peyton Bowles. — Whoa, Wild Thangs! — The Wild Thangs huddle: **L to R**: Callie Manutai, Haley Bowles, Katie Wingo, Cassidy Svehlak, Zoe Brignon, Brooke Salter and cheer coordinator Peyton Bowles. (Barry Byers)

The Wild Thangs (5th and 6th grade girls), coached by Tracey Carter Bowles of Italy, are among several local teams that participate in youth volleyball at the YMCA in Waxahachie.

The Wild Thangs played two games against the Purple People Eaters on Saturday, putting their skills on display. Coach Carter cheered on the girls from the sideline while both teams made one big point after another.

Both teams used a 5-1 volleyball rotation. The front three players make up the attack zone and the back three cover the defense zone. The setter or the Zone 1 player serves over the net. For the Wild Thangs, Cassidy Svehlak, Brook Salter and Katie Wingo give their team a one, two, three punch from the attack zone while Callie Manutai, Zoe Brignon and Haley Bowles thrive in the defense zone.

“This is the first season of volleyball for most of the girls. They have made vast improvements on their team play. Coach Bowles has really been dedicated to the girls and the players have really enjoyed the experience,” commented Stephanie Emerson Brignon, an IHS graduate and proud mom.

The Wild Thangs play their final regular season game Saturday, July 24 at 1:45 p.m. at the YMCA in Waxahachie. After that, all the teams will compete in an end of the season tournament.

The Wild Thangs Roster:

#1 – Haley Bowles
#4 – Callie Manutai
#6 – Zoe Brignon
#7 – Katie Wingo
#9 – Brooke Salter
#60 – Cassidy Svehlak

Whoa, Wild Things!

I love volleyball — Haley Bowles is not afraid to admit that she loves this game. (Barry Byers)

Wild and three — Zoe, Haley and Callie unite before their game against the Purple People Eaters. (Barry Byers)

Pre-game rules — The Wild Thangs circle at center court to hear the game rules. (Barry Byers)

Let’s do this — Haley Bowles has had enough pre-game discussion and gets ready to play some volleyball. (Barry Byers)

Zoe’s got skillz — Zoe Brignon is about to return the volleball from the middle blocker position. (Barry Byers)

Brooke scores — Brook Salter tries to score in the first match. (Barry Byers)

Deep breath — Haley takes a calming breath before unleashing the chaos from the setter position! (Barry Byers)

Wild Thangs attack — Zoe and Katie charge the net inside the attack zone of their offensive set. (Barry Byers)

Zoe zeros in — Zoe Brignon prepares to shoot an arrow over the net. (Barry Byers)

Brooke gets it over — Brooke Salter(9) clears the net on the return from the middle blocker position while Cassidy Svehlak(60) plays her right side hitter position. (Barry Byers)

Cassidy serves — Cassidy uses good form during her serve. (Barry Byers)

Callie gets set — Callie serves up a point against the Purple People Eaters. (Barry Byers)

We got it! — No volleyball is safe when the Wild Thangs are around. (Barry Byers)

Cassidy keeps ball in — Cassidy defends the opposite side of the floor while in the attack zone of the formation. (Barry Byers)

Nice play — Zoe sends the ball back over the net.

Wild and Cassidy — Cassidy Svehlak stalks the net waiting for her chance to attack. (Barry Byers)

Coach and her kids — Wild Thangs coach Tracey Bowles stands with her children Nathan, Haley and Peyton after the game. (Barry Byers)

Haley Bowles — Haley Bowles is a volleyball superstar. (Barry Byers)