BC volleyball team off and running in conference play
| Thursday, Oct 29 2009 11:06 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Oct 29 2009 11:10 PM
In Carl Ferreira's five seasons as Bakersfield College's volleyball coach, he's never had a squad open 6-0 in Western State Conference play.
Until now.
The Renegades (11-4 overall) are having a remarkable season in large part because of the play of three sophomores who lead the state in their respective statistical categories.
Reisa Fessler, an outside hitter from Liberty High, averages 4.86 kills per game according to the most recent state statistics, which were released on Oct. 20.
Setter Chelsea Rose, also from Liberty, averages 11.98 assists per game, nearly 11/2 more than state runner-up Kelsey Soos from Santa Barbara.
And libero Sarah Kurfess, from Stockdale High, averages 7.71 digs per game, well ahead of state runner-up Kia Viayra from Victor Valley (7.24).
"That's really unique," Ferreira said of his state leaders.
The three go hand-in-hand, he added.
"In the sport of volleyball, getting kills is the No. 1 way to score points, and Reisa is No. 1 in kills in the state," Ferreira said. "But she couldn't do it without Chelsea and Sarah."
As Ferreira explains:
"Sarah digs the ball to Chelsea, who sets it to Reisa and away you go."
Tonight, the Renegades face 5-1 College of the Canyons. Canyons beat the Renegades in four games at a tournament in San Diego in mid-September.
Ferreira said the Renegades are much improved since that loss. Much of that improvement he credits to Rose, who switched to setter from defensive specialist after last season.
Ferreira noted that Rose got a late start in the transition because she underwent finger surgery last January. She didn't resume training until March.
Rose has an added intangible: tremendous leadership ability, Ferreira said.
"Chelsea could be one of the best leaders I've had in 25 years of coaching," said Ferreira, who was Cal State Bakersfield's coach for three seasons and later coached at Idaho and Oregon before coming to BC.
"What she lacks in setting experience she makes up for in leadership and chemistry. ... It's about making others better around you. It's impressive how she can do that."
Fessler also switched positions: from middle blocker where she would be subbed out frequently to left side hitter where she plays all six rotations. "She's never played six rotations in her career," Ferreira said.
And Kurfess is the anchor for it all, Ferreira said.
"Like the line of scrimmage in football, you have your unsung heroes," he said. "When other teams serve, we rate how well we pass. How well you pass makes it easier on the setter.
"As Chelsea is growing and getting better as a setter, Sarah has always been very consistent. That's been the stabilizer to the whole thing."
Tonight marks BC's annual cancer awareness night. T-shirts will be sold and donations will be accepted tied to BC's performance.
"We'll have people donate 'X' amount per kill," Ferreira said. "Our kids are trying to get pledges. Last year we donated over $1,300 to the American Cancer Society.
"Cancer is the No. 1 cause of death for women. A lot of players on our team have been affected, either relatives or friends. It's an awareness that our players have taken to very passionately."
