VYPE's Preseason Volleyball Top 20 -- No. 17 Pearland Dawson Eagles

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The Pearland Dawson Eagles             

Hybrid Athletes Give Eagles Options

Coach: Lori McLaughlin

2011 Record: 27-10

Postseason: Fell in the Regional Quarterfinals to Foster

By Matt Malatesta

The Pearland Dawson Eagles have jumped onto the volleyball scene quickly in their short history under the direction of Lori McLaughlin.

The Eagles reached the regional semis two years ago and advanced to the regional quarterfinals before being bounced by the Foster Falcons. McLaughlin is pushing her squad for more in 2012.

"Every season your goal is to be more successful from the last year," she said. "We will take the positives and negatives from last year and learn from them. The chemistry can change very easily and ever year is different, but I feel good about this group."

Leading the flight to state is hybrid athlete Gabbi Moreno, who played middle last season but will move to setter this year.

"Gabbi is just a great athlete and volleyball player," she said. "She never has played middle blocker and was a first-team all-district selection as a sophomore. She's born to be a setter and she will set for us this year as well as do some hitting. She's a threat from anywhere on the court and has a powerful swing. She will be a big part of our offense."

Brandy Harris also returns as the Dawson Libero, who can also provide some left side attacking. Kelsey Ediger is an undersized left side hitter, who has been playing for McLaughlin since her freshman season.

"These girls are hungry and they work hard," she said. "What I like is that we have depth from our junior and senior class. We have some flexibility with our personnel because are girls are versatile players. That's a luxury."

Can You Dig It?

Losing the likes of Katey Kyle hurts, but Gabbi Moreno is now free to play her natural position of setting. Dawson will challenge Friendswood for the district championship as Clear Falls moves to Class 5A.