AUGUSTA, Kans.—
After finishing the 2011 season with a 10-21 record, the Augusta Lady Orioles look to rebound this season with a new coach at the helm. Coach Rich Bishop takes over for Heidi Dreiling, who took a coaching position at Wichita South. Bishop was the freshman coach last season.Augusta loses a large contingent to graduation, so Bishop has some players that are going to have to step up. Returning for the Lady Orioles is Senior Courtney Phillips, Senior Kalie Robinson, Senior Destiny Williams and Junior Katie Nordman. All except Williams played last season under Dreiling.
“Kalie (Robinson) last season was more of a defensive perspective and for her this season she will have to have more responsibility,” Bishop said.
Helping Augusta this season will be a change to Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League (AVCTL) Division IV. The Orioles dropped down when Maize South moved up to Division II, causing a domino effect for other schools.
Key matchups for the Lady Orioles will include rival Circle, Wellington, Mulvane and Andale.
“Circle is definitely our biggest rival in the league,” Bishop said.
Another change for the team will be playing triangulers instead of quads. The Lady Tigers will participate in tournaments in Winfield, Hillsboro, Mulvane and El Dorado.
“I feel like our team has improved and are involved,” Bishop said. “Since I started coaching at summer camps this summer, I’ve been involved as a coach and the girls are improving. I’m happy with the intensity of my team and how they have been focused during two-a-days. I still will be making adjustments to see who gets the final spots on the roster.”
The Lady Orioles take it to the road on Saturday as they will head to Winfield for a tournament, which includes Ark City, El Dorado, Andale, Andover, Mulvane, Wellington, Wichita Collegiate and Wichita Trinity.
