Eagles defeat Contra Costa College for first victory

The Laney women’s volleyball team hasn’t had a lot of success this season, but then again the team’s won-loss record over the years has been something less than stellar.
Second-year head volleyball coach Jade Sanford is trying to change that — along with the Eagles’ success, culture, and attitude.
“We’re a work in progress,” Sanford said, “but I feel we’re further along at this point than we were last season. What the girls really need right now is a little more confidence in themselves.
“We have some great hitters, a couple of good passers — we do have some talent.”
 The Eagles have won just one game this season, a 3–0 sweep against Contra Costa College, at home on Oct. 2, but they’ve had some good efforts in losing causes.
The scores against the winless Comets were 25–21, 25–16, 25–12.
Bridgett Brewer had 10 kills, Morgan Warren had 9 and Shayla Robillard had 25 assists against Contra Costa.
Warren is the team’s best player. She has the most talent and the best instincts on the court. It shows.
“She (Warren) has played club volleyball and that’s a plus. It is difficult to recruit good players, players with some experience,” Sanford said.
The Eagles have a short bench and have also been hit with injuries. According to Sanford, four players have ankle problems and outside hitter Naima Ashford has a ligament ailment. Warren also has a nagging shoulder problem.
It has been frustrating for Sanford; Oakland public high schools are not a hotbed of homegrown talent that she can readily tap into. Her two best players, Warren and Brewer, come from San Leandro and Arroyo (San Lorenzo) high schools, respectively.
Another top player, Gailyn Red Elk, is from Phoenix.