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San Manuel Miners
As the San Manuel girls’ volleyball team continues preparation for the upcoming season, it’s clear the Miners have enough experience to orchestrate a one-year turnaround after finishing 4 – 14 a year ago.
Head coach Patty St. Jeor has had her team on the court since Aug. 6, gearing up for the Miners’ season opener on Aug. 28 against Ray.
The varsity team will be led by returning senior captains Samantha Roan, Ashley Madrid and Andrea Guerrero. Other returning players include senior Olivia Ortega, junior Savana Roan and sophomore Genesis Dietz.
New varsity members are former JV players Alize Velasquez, a junior, along with sophomores Kirsten Renteria and Adriana Ivy. Juniors Gabriella Estrada and Samantha Waddell, in addition to Priscilla (Star) Ivy and Aubrey Encinas are first-time varsity players in 2018.
The JV team roster includes sophomores Genesis Dietz, Kirsten Renteria, Adriana Ivy and Myleaha Gallego. New JV members are sophomore Starr Valenzuela and large group of incoming freshmen – Priscilla (Star) Ivy, Aubrey Encinas, Natalie Montiel, Brianna Mullens, Nathallia Valencia and Monique Borquez.
Joining St. Jeor on the coaching staff are JV head coach Angelica (Jelly) Zuniga and new assistant coach John Bribiescas.
“Please come out and support this group of amazing young ladies and enjoy some great action-packed volleyball,” St. Jeor said in extending an invite.
Game times on Aug. 28: JV 5 p.m. and varsity 6 p.m.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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