Harold Wilson

After getting its six-year playoff streak snapped, John Tyler tries to pop things back into place when the Lady Lion spikers start fall workouts Monday.

Leading up to its season opener in roughly one week, John Tyler practices twice daily — from 8-11 a.m. and again from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

The Lady Lions enter their second season under head coach Frankie Granberry, who expects 40 or more girls to be in attendance.

JT also welcomes back more experience after bringing back just one varsity returnee a year ago.

The 2007 team features three senior returnees — defensive specialist Choicey Ross, outside hitter Yarbre Harmon and middle hitter Katie Johnson.

Other varsity returnees include junior outside hitter Alexis White and junior defensive specialist Maritza Servin.

“We’re more experienced, more prepared,” Granberry said. “We’ve had a lot more planning time.”

The Lady Lions finished 2006 with a disappointing 9-28 record. From 2000-2005, JT averaged 19.5 wins before losing 19 more games than it won.

Following five days of workouts, JT scrimmages twice — at Lindale Friday and at Robert E. Lee on Saturday.

JT begins its season on the road on Tuesday, Aug. 14 in Hallsville.

The Lady Lions make their home debut on Aug. 21. JT and Robert E. Lee will co-host the Tyler Invitational on Aug. 31-Sept. 1, with the championship bracket scheduled for the Lions Den.

LIONS’ TALES: All volleyball players in grades 9-12 must have physicals before participating, Granberry said. Also, a mandatory meeting for all volleyball parents is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the junior varsity gym.

Harold Wilson covers sports for the Tyler Paper.
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