With a format

of two pools of five teams, where each team played a total of four matches

throughout the day, players' stamina was tested and coaches got a chance

to see what their teams may do under the pressure of competition.

Lakeside High

School Head Coach Margie Bowen was especially appreciative of the chance

to see her players perform in a competitive format prior to the first

game of the season. "This is a great organization and we are very

grateful to Dottie Licciardi and the Starr's Mill volleyball Booster Club

for putting on this wonderful event and inviting us to attend," said

Coach Bowen. "Volleyball is so much fun and is a great activity for

girls and boys. The level of competition is growing very quickly."

Sandy Creek

coach Paul Collins also recognized the benefit of the Jamboree. "At

an event like this, I try to give everyone a chance to play," said

Collins. "I saw some excellent play out of some our team members,

and I saw some things we need to work on. Bottom line, this is a great

way to get rid of some butterflies."

Facing opponents

across the net is why coach Kathy Stallings of Newnan High School brought

her team to Starr's Mill. "It's good to see your team in opposition

with someone else and see how they play in a competitive game situation."

Deb Eidson, Community Coach for Newnan High School, added, "This

is a great event to get the girls on the floor and working out the kinks

before the season. We try girls in new positions and see what they can

do."

Coach Licciardi

was pleased with her team's performance. "I have been impressed with

the way our girls push to become better at practice. This is probably

the hardest working team that I have had at Starr's Mill," said Licciardi.

"They want to be good and realize that it takes a lot of hard work

at practice to achieve this goal."

Licciardi said

she was especially enjoying coaching this group of athletes. They love

the game, she explained, have great attitudes and respect each other.

"Things can't get any better than that!"

On a day when

gaining experience and playing together was more important than "wins,"

every team came away as a winner at this preseason Jamboree.

Starr's Mill's

volleyball team will play at Heritage Saturday and then will host Landmark

Christian and Pope Tuesday at 5 p.m. McIntosh's volleyball team will get

a crack at Landmark Christian as well as Lassiter and St. Pius tomorrow

at Lassiter at 5 p.m. They will play at Parkview Saturday.

Fayette County's

volleyball team will play at Newnan High School next Tuesday at 5 p.m.

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