This story originally ran in The Standard-Times on Sept. 15, 2002.

By Nick Tavares
Standard-Times correspondent

After two years, the Apponequet Lakers are finally home, and hope to make a run at the SCC title to mark their return.

"Well I'm hoping we can raise our skill level so that we can reach our goal, which is to qualify for the tournament," said head coach Kevin Bellevance, "as we have for the last six years."

Apponequet has finished constructing a new home-court for the volleyball team, which marks a return to a regulation-size court as well, where previously the team had to serve on court as a result of a smaller playing area.

Bellevance's squad finished 14-8 last year, and retains five members from last year's varsity team, four of which are seniors.

Amanda Wilbur and Jessica Lincoln will provide a steadiness to the outside-hitter position, while Jillian Tavares looks to be the resident defensive specialist.

Coach Bellevance has plans on using Kendra Barry in a more versatile role, both setting and hitting. Junior Jessica Allardt will be set as middle hitter, and "plays strong on the net."

Of the newcomers, Deana Curtis will be getting more playing time as a setter, while junior Amy Thompson will be switching off from both middle hitter and setter.

"We basically have a new nucleus, so with that comes new jobs, and everyone's going to have to develop a strong court sense as well," added coach Bellevance.

Besides a new core lineup and a new court, the Lakers will also have to contend with and adapt to the new scoring system adopted by the MIAA, which will now see games played to 30 points. Early on this season, like many coaches, Bellevance has mixed feelings.

"Well as a result, serving becomes much more important, and now mistakes are points, so that can be very costly. The new rally scoring can benefit both teams, so I'm not too sure on how I feel about that yet. And I don't really like the let serve.

"I've also decided not to use the new libero position, mainly because I want to concentrate on the serving game."

With everything new this season, the Lakers hope the success of past seasons will hold true to form and a deep run into tournament play.

This story appeared on Page E6 of The Standard-Times on September 15, 2002.