Story by Jason Roberts
Back to back volleyball playoff disappointments have not sullied Pearland’s desire to continue pushing forward to go beyond the first round.
The Lady Oilers’ past two postseason appearances have ended quickly but Pearland keeps on producing good volleyball players. This year is no exception as they are looking for some redemption.
“The kids are thinking about making up some T-shirts that say something like, ‘Definite second round team’ or something silly like that,” Pearland volleyball coach John Turner said.
Clements has been the beneficiary of both first round wins against the Lady Oilers in back to back playoff seasons.
Pearland lost four seniors from last year with three of them continuing on to the next level, Holly Moreno (St. Mary’s University), Erin Leo (Texas State), Amanda Aguilara (UT Arlington) and Emily McLaughlin.
But as much as they lost the Lady Oilers welcome back the 35th ranked freshman in the country, Mallori Pardo.
“As a freshman she was making silly mistakes here and there, but we are not seeing that this year,” Turner said. “I expect her to have a high hitting percentage and a high setting percentage.”
Primarily used as an outside hitter Pardo will continue in that role but add setting duties as well. Pardo along with Marissa Collins will set up a dynamic duo for Pearland.
“I probably have the best setters that I’ve ever had since I’ve been coaching here and probably in high school period,” Turner added. “Mallori and Marissa are very experienced, they are top setters on the clubs that they are at, and those are top teams in the clubs as well.”
Collins, just a junior already has about four or five colleges looking at her. Another player that might make a difference is senior Jasmine Terry, who is 6-foot-1 and verbally committed to University of Houston.
Terry will man the middle position.
Senior Heather Loverton will be another senior outside hitter while Amanda Dean and Paige Cisneros will rotate at the libero.
“Heather was second in kills for us last year and both Amanda and Paige are tremendous defensive players,” Turner said. “Our passing and defense will be good opposed to other seasons and that will help us a lot.”
Rebecca Felix and incoming freshman Taylor Hackamack will also boost the front line for the Lady Oilers. Hackamack is 6-foot-1 1/2.
“Taylor trained at the Colorado Springs facility with the girls select U.S.A. team this past summer,” Turner said. “But we only get her for one year because her father got a promotion buth they have to move to Florida.”
Turner is entering his 15th season as the head coach and 23rd overall at Pearland. He’s posted a phenomenal 475-208 record so far.
Pearland has also moved districts from last season and will now compete in District 22-5A with the likes of Deer Park, La Porte and all the Pasadena schools.
The Lady Oilers also host one if not the top volleyball tournament’s in the country.
“Prepvolleyball.com has ranked us the No. 1 volleyball tournament in the country,” Turner said. “We are 76 strong teams now and all the top teams from around the state will be here. It is like a preview before the state tournament that is the type of teams that we have.”
Austin Westlake has won eight of the 10 titles as Pearland’s highest finish was a sixth place.
“These guys got so much experience from play last year, and they’ve improved tremendously in offseason and club ball,” Turner said. “I am looking forward to seeing a much quicker tempo offense this year.”
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