Senior captains lead Moose into 2011

PALMER — It may be unfair to call the Palmer Moose a traditional slow starter. But regardless of how fast the Moose shoot out of the gate, they typically seem to be a team folks are talking about at the finish line.

That may have to do with the approach of longtime head coach Steve Reynolds. He likes to take his time working things out, toying with different lineups and working with his athletes to find the best way to keep the Moose at or near the top of the Northern Lights Conference. Reynolds’ methods have worked. Palmer is the two-time defending NLC champion, and a team that’s safe to pencil into the conference’s top 3 in most years.

“It’s my job as a coach to be perpetually dissatisfied,” Reynolds joked recently. “But I’m encouraged with what we have. It’s early in the season, and we have a long way to go. But everybody feels like that in the beginning.”

As the Moose work out any kinks, they do have the bonus of a pair of experienced leaders on the court — senior setter Jenna Arlow and senior outside hitter Morgan Morfe.

“So far the captains are doing a good job,” Reynolds said.

Arlow, a first-team All-NLC selection as a junior, returns as one of the top players in the conference.

“Jenna does a good job running the show,” Reynolds said. “She brings that quiet, confident veteran play.”

Morfe, a second-team All-NLC pick last season, is the vocal leader, Reynolds said.

“She’s our team cheerleader,” Reynolds said.

Morfe also brings a tough serve and solid passing to the floor.

Reynolds said the captains’ roles are solidified, but the remainder of the talent continue to define their roles.

Seniors Kasara Brandeburg and Kalene Smith return to the squad. Reynolds said Brandenburg has played well on the outside and Smith is an experienced middle.

The junior class includes setter Miranda Meli and libero Lilly Cullers. Reynolds said Cullers is settling into the role as a libero and taking ownership of the position.

Palmer also has a handful of sophomores on the varsity team. Middle hitter Breckin Riekena, outside and middle hitter Elliot Perkins and setter Macey Buresh are all promising talents.

The Moose started their season with a sweep of Houston and a first-place finish in the silver bracket of the Chugiak Invitational last weekend. Palmer continues play with a nonconference match Saturday at 3:15 p.m., at South Anchorage.

** Editor’s note: This is part of a series previewing the 2011 seasons of the local 4A prep volleyball teams. For features previewing the seasons of Colony and Wasilla, see frontiersman.com/sports. For the Houston preview, see an upcoming edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman. Contact sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him at twitter.com/matsu_sports.