The Culver City High School girls’ varsity volleyball team has a new coach, Tanner Siegal.

Results are the same.

The Centaurs are still competitive and winning games. They have a record of 11-5 and their next matches are on the road against Lawndale on Tuesday, and Hawthorne on Thursday. The next home match will be Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 3, against Ocean League rival Santa Monica.

Siegal, whose father coached volleyball at Culver City, is happy to be in charge. But he is really excited about the play of Jessica Stewart.

“Stewart is the heart and soul of this team,” said Siegal. “As a setter she is the player who runs the offense. She steps up in practice and the games. She uses her voice to inspire her teammates. We are a better team when she is out on the court.”

Stewart thinks the coaching change brings new energy to the team. “We like our new coach,” she said. “He is really involved. Our team just needs to stay focused. I think if we do that we can go far in the playoffs this year.”

Another player having a good year is outside hitter 6-foot Lena Johnson. She is the younger sister of last year’s co- Male Athlete of the Year Kyle Johnson.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com

Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com