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VOLLEYBALL: MORRISON BRINGS POSITIVE VIBES

Volleyball: Morrison brings positive vibes

KEVIN TAYLOR

Times Record | 9/11/2016

Looking back, it almost seems easy now.

The junior olympic volleyball experience; the practices; the tournaments.



The progression.

But Hattie Morrison's game came to a screeching holt in the first week of the 2016-17 school year. It had nothing to do with digs, kills or aces.

Just two days into the season, Van Buren changed coaches as the team was preparing for its benefit game with Northside.

Somehow, Morrison and the Lady Pointers overcame the distractions.

"We focused on working as a team," she said. "No matter what we go through, we listen to coach, do what he says, and we try and improve every game, not only for ourselves but also as a team."

The Van Buren Lady Pointers have a winning record, a 2-1 record in the 7A-West, and they seem to be feeding off one another.

Coach Brent Reeves, who had signed on to coach Van Buren's freshman academy team, was elevated to head coach after the resignation of Stephanie Hill.


"The first week was a little different, just because it was a little weird with the whole thing, plus it was the first week (of the season)," Morrison said. "Also, we had that hanging over us. But we just picked up. He (Reeves) runs practice a little differently, but now it's like normal."

Reeves, who barely knew his players numbers, much less their first names, following a benefit win over Northside, appreciates Morrison's leadership.

"I just told her today that she's always enthusiastic; she always has a smile on her face," Reeves said. "She brings that to the court, too. I really appreciate the attitude she brings."

Morrison is both a good student and good volleyball player.

But she manages to separate the two.

"I think sports helps me to have something to look forward to," Morrison said. "It can be hard during the day doing school work. I think competing is a good way to learn sportsmanship and have fun at the same time. During the day I focus on getting my stuff done and figure out what homework I'm going to have to do.

"As soon as I get to volleyball I try not to think about that stuff. I focus on improving and working better as a team, and then whenever I get out of volleyball I try to get it done any way I can."


Morrison and fellow senior co-captain Emilee Aaron have had their moments this season. But they're not alone.

Junior Bekah Olienyk and the influx of sophomore standouts Caroline Davis, Alex Dupree and Mikelle Porter feed off of Morrison's play.

"As a middle (blocker), on the front row and the back row, I have to make sure I know where everybody is on the court," Morrison said. "As a co-captain, I try and make sure everyone's in the right spot, and encourage people to keep going — if the game's going good or if we're down."

The Pointers travel to Greenwood on Monday and resume 7A-West play Tuesday with Rogers. Wins over the Lady Mounties and Springdale Lady Bulldogs would clinch a first-half winning record.

"There are eight teams in our conference, and we have to finish in the top six to make the state tournament," Morrison said. "I think getting Bentonville West (first), that was a good start for us. We have to make sure we beat them here, too. We're really focused on the next game; we really want to play well and make the state tournament."
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