EudoraNews.com

Lauren Kracl is young a relative newcomer to the sport of volleyball. However, it's not stopping the freshman from shining in the early going of Eudora's volleyball season.

Kracl, the freshman middle hitter, made the all-tournament team in McLouth two weeks ago and is showing the skill and poise of a much more experienced high school player.

"I don't think I have played to my potential yet, and I hope to improve," Kracl said. "I think that we play well together, and as the season progresses we will continue to improve as a team.

"I feel honored (to be playing with the varsity) and my teammates have been very accepting and encouraging."

Even though most teams pay close attention to the 5-11 hitter, Kracl still manages to play around the defense and get her shots. The tournament in McLouth, which featured a third-place finish by the Cardinals, was one of those days when the shots just found their mark.

Still, Kracl is quick to point out that the shots could not be made without good passes from her teammates. She might have been singled out, but her all-tourney selection was a team accomplishment, she said.

"I was surprised and excited, but, at the same time I felt that anyone else on the team deserved it just as much as I did," Kracl said.