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IAC VOLLEYBALL: TIOGA'S FORD LIKES VIBE AROUND TEAM IN FIRST WEEK OF 2019 PRESEASON (12 PHOTOS) (2019-08-22)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER "” For longtime Tioga volleyball coach Des Ford things are back to normal, in more than one way, with the beginning of the 2019 preseason.

"It's good to be back on the court," said Ford. "This is my 37th year coaching ... this is my normal."

As usual, the numbers are excellent for Ford's program.

"Our numbers are really good. We had to make cuts at the JV level, but (coach Rachel VanScoy) will have 15, and I will have 12 on varsity.

"I probably could have brought up one or two with me to the varsity, but my bench is deep," said Ford.  "They would be battling for play time up here. I would rather see them playing full time on JVs, than sitting the bench on varsity."

Ford likes the vibe surrounding this group.

"There's a good feel around this team. The atmosphere, the environment is electric.

"The girls are focused, hard-working, cohesive ... it's been a good four days," said Ford. "Hopefully, it stays that way.

"I feel like we're back to Tioga volleyball," she added.

Building a team bond is Ford's focus in the preseason.

"Last year, we weren't a very cohesive group," she said. "This year, my focus in on that cohesiveness.

"Our seniors are coming in knowing this is their last season. I haven't changed, but my seniors are different, more mature.

"I had no leadership on the team last year, and that hurts," notes Ford. "This year, I have several girls on varsity stepping up and talking charge, and even have a couple on the JV level, too. Having leaders is huge."

Tioga is at Oneonta in a multi-team scrimmage Tuesday, and will host Owego in a scrimmage Friday.

"”"”"”"”"”"”

PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.

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