Is this the Lady Scots’ year?
The Lady Scots volleyball team is led by a group of seven seniors. Each of them has a prominent roll on the team, but De’Jane Hester-Taylor and Brianne Sidner are the clear-cut leaders.
Hester-Taylor is a 5’8 MB, from Homewood, Ala. that has been earning playing time since her freshman year. On the other hand, Sidner was an early enrollee here at MC, which turned heads and drew attention to the 5’11 OH from Marietta, Ga.
For a recap of the 2018-2019 season, the Lady Scots went 18-10 with an overall win percentage of .643, going 10-4 in conference. They averaged 11.4 kills per set, .147 hitting %, 10.69 assists per set, and 15.84 digs per set. As you look over the numbers, it seems outrageous that they didn’t win it all. 2018-2019 seemed to be “the year” going into the season before falling short of the team goals.
Brianne Snider making a play on the ball as Kaitlyn Flick watches in the background.
Photo courtesy of Cindy Nowlin
Going into their senior years, Hester-Taylor and Sidner are both extremely confident and excited about the amount of talent they have coming in on the team with freshman and transfers to build on from last year. “Last year, we got closer than we have ever been. This year, I think we are stronger mentally and physically while being less focused on the ring. We’re more focused on each other, which will lead us to a ring,” Sidner said.
As you can see, the seniors understand what aspects they fell short on last year. Any good program, team, core, etc. has to have a strong mental approach to capture the end goal, and Sidner has instilled that into the 2019-2020 team.
“A capstone having seven seniors, all being in our prime and having knowledge with experience, should bring a lot of fun and eventually a ring in the end,” Sidner said when asked what she expected from the year.
If you have ever attended a Scots volleyball game, it is no question who the vocal leader of the team is. Hester-Taylor brings excitement, communication and energy to the court every time she plays. Whether it is making an effort play, talking to teammates, or being there when her teammates need her, she is always accounted for.
Hester-Taylor is expecting a lot from herself this year.
Dejane-Hester Taylor, “killing” a ball.
Photo courtesy of Cindy Nowlin
“We have a lot of skill, talent, and positivity being shared with each other during practice,” Hester-Taylor said. “[I want to be] a great teammate and leader on and off the court, like Bri who is that ‘go to’ person whenever we need it.”
With two strong-minded leaders, this 2019-2020 season should be one to remember for the Scots. With it being early in the season, they are off to a rough start going 4-3 and are trying to get the show on the road. As they look to turn it around and get the train moving in the right direction, the Scots are set to play in the Guilford Invitational on Friday, Sept. 14.