PHS reaches for new heights

Priceville’s Emily Williams bumps a ball during practice last week. Williams is the only senior on the 2012-2013 volleyball squad. | Brent Maze

Emily Williams wants to do something that the Priceville volleyball program has never done before – make the Elite Eight.

“We’ve kind of always been the team that’s always really close, but never gets to the state tournament,” Williams said. “We want to be remembered as the first team to do that.”

Williams and her teammates will begin their attempt to make the state tournament next week when the Lady Bulldogs will open the season at West Morgan at 4 p.m. Thur., Aug. 23. They will also compete in a tournament on Aug. 25 at Brewer High School.

The Lady Bulldogs will also host the Morgan County Volleyball Tournament at the end of the season in October.

One thing that the Lady Bulldogs are having to adjust to is a coaching change. Shane Hopkins, who had coached the Lady Bulldogs for the last four years, has stepped down to spend more time with his family.

That has allowed basketball assistant coach Catrina Mason the opportunity to step in.

Mason said Hopkins and assistant coach Wendy Brandon have been invaluable to her this offseason.

“They’ve been such a big help to me,” Mason said. “Wendy coached the JV team last year and she’s been helping get our players ready for the season.”

Williams said the transition has been good for the team.

“It’s been a really smooth transition for us,” Williams said. “Coach Hopkins has been helping us as well. Both he and Coach Mason have really helped us prepare for the season.”