Mitchell Head Volleyball Coach Not Satisfied with Average

A 4-3 record would be a reason for optimism for some volleyball programs.

head coach Keith Paulk does not hesitate to express his disappointment.

"We have not had that good of a year, in my opinion." Paulk said. "I'm not pleased with the record, because I still feel like I have the most talented team in the county."

The way the season started, it was hard to argue with Paulk's assessment. The Mustangs started out 3-0, with dominating wins over Ridgewood, Pasco, and Sunlake, and only lost one set in the three games.

After a loss to Pinellas County powerhouse, Tarpon Springs High, Mitchell was set for a game last Tuesday at fellow 6A-District 10 powerhouse .

Mitchell was on fire in the first two sets, jumping all over the Knights in the first two sets, 25-14 and 25-15. An injury in the third set to Mustang setter Jessika Hester unraveled the Mustangs and the Knights staged a furious comeback to win that set, 25-23. The injury to Hester, one of the best players in the county, was too much for the Mustangs to overcome.

The Knights rallied to win the final two sets to win the game 3-2. Paulk doesn't like excuses, but he realizes losing his best setter was a lot to overcome.

"She's my defensive dig leader and a big part of our offense." Paulk said. "It really messed up the rhythm we had, and River Ridge got their confidence going. It happens.”

The lingering effect of Hester's injury carried over just two nights later, as Mitchell lost another touch five set match to the Hudson Cobras. Hester's injury, which Paulk described as Ulnar nerve inflammation, is not considered serious, and he's hopeful for her return later this week.

Despite the recent losses, Paul is still pleased with the potential for his team for the remainder of the season.

"What I'm pleased with is the way we really get after it offensively." Paulk said. "We earn our points with kills. We don't depend on other team's mistakes. We earn them with the aggressive serves.  addition to the solid play of Hester, Paulk singled out Jessica Lestishock for her outstanding play so far this season. Lestishock is the Mustangs leader at kill percentage at 44.5% for the season.

Also, the Mustangs are strong up the middle with Lyndsey Lane and Devon Felts, who lead Mitchell with nine and seven blocks, respectively.

"Virtually everybody on the team jump serves," Paulk said. "They all get their share of aces. Every player that I put on the floor can lead the team in kills on any given night. Defensively, this is one of the best defensive teams we've ever had in terms of getting on the floor, reaching, and hustling for every single ball."

If you wish to catch the Mustangs in action they will be taking on the Sunlake Seahawks Thursday night in Land O'Lakes.