With a new coach and a team full of experienced players, the Laurens Academy volleyball team took their first win of the season on Tuesday against Greenwood Christian Academy 3-0. 

“They played well,” said Head Coach Kristyn Dees. “They have the capability of being a very successful team.”

Dees, a 2002 graduate of Laurens Academy, is beginning her first year as coach of the team. She played volleyball and basketball for the Crusaders and went on to play volleyball at Southern Wesleyan University before graduating in 2006. She then worked in Bosnia with World Hope International for two years before returning to her alma mater.

Dees said that her team has much talent and a good work ethic. The Lady Crusaders have four returning seniors who Dees said would provide leadership to the team. “They are all really strong players,” she said.

The 2009 roster consists of Callie Holmes, Sutton Shell, Adrienne Urwick, Madison Kirk, Mariel Fridy, Meredith Griffin, Raegan Chumley, Danielle Koon, Lauren Broome and Laura Langston.

With a strong middle school team, Dees said the volleyball team would be formidable for years to come. “A lot of athletic girls moving up in the next three to four years,” she said. However, Dees said she is first anticipating a good 2009 season.

“I’m looking forward to this season,” she said. “If they keep working hard, they are as good as or better than everyone I’ve seen.”

The Lady Crusaders will travel to Long Cane Academy on Thursday for their second game of the season.