By Moses Leos IIIFostering the youth that guides the Lehman High Lady Lobo volleyball team is the continued goal for head coach Megan Cooper. 

That progress was evident over the weekend as the Lady Lobos finished in the Bronze Bracket of the Ragin’ Rattler Tournament in San Marcos. 

“We are aware that we aren’t the tallest team,” Cooper said. “We have to be the smartest team and best at defense. Part of our coaching philosophy is finding girls that have the tenacity to fight every single game. We told the girls this year is going to be a battle.” 

Lehman started the tournament with back-to-back losses to San Antonio East Central and Victoria West on Friday. They rounded out the day with a victory over Manor. 

Saturday saw the Lady Lobos take on Weatherford and Connally. Cooper said Connally was “one of the hardest hitting teams we’ve played against.” 

While Lehman dropped both matches, Cooper said the team continued to grow. It was apparent on defense, which is led by senior libero Ofelia Negrete. 

“Our defense is staying strong. We have a couple of key players and they are doing well answering to teams with larger hitters,” Cooper said. 

The Lady Lobo offense continues to build on its youth. Cooper said the team is working to find the positioning for its hitters, Cheyenne Morgan, Keyana Burkley and Angel Cruz. 

Continued work with their three setters is also priority. Struggles have been evident and Cooper said she is working with Janna Del Bosque, Kynslee Noriega and Kaylee Wipff. 

“It involves a lot of strategy and skill teaching. You can see they want to learn and they are holding on to the things they are being taught,” Cooper said.  “They are finding their hitters more than in the beginning of the year.” 

The Lobos now take what they’ve learned into the heart of 14-6A play. Cooper said the emphasis is on battling back and playing strong on the net. 

“I am going to need everything my defensive specialists and liberas have. We have to impact the score and have some control on our side,” Cooper said. “We will have to adapt quickly.”