• Local teams and officials warm up for 2014 season

DAPHNE—Bayside Academy hosted a preseason volleyball jamboree Saturday in Daphne. Players put some final polish on their serving, setting and spiking while coaches made some last-minute evaluations and adjustments in preparation for the 2014 season.

Teams played six timed matches under regulation-match conditions courtesy of the North Baldwin Volleyball Officials Association.

“We need practice, too,” said NBVOA president Cynthia Ellis. “This is a good way for us to refresh our memories, dust off our whistles and get our lungs in shape.  And this is like a tournament for us so it’s a real good way to warm up for those long tournament days ahead.

“We had our district (Baldwin, Clarke and Mobile counties) camp last night with our state athletic association’s (AHSAA) district director Lane Lawley who ran the  classroom part of our ongoing training.  These 27 officials have been in the classroom since the first of July. But this is really where it all comes together on the court. This is the third year we have had it here and we appreciate Bayside and coach (Ann) Schilling for hosting us.”

Bayside head coach Ann Schilling said the event is a good way to give officials and players a chance to practice under match-like conditions.

 “It’s something that’s good for all of us, players, coaches and the officials,” she said. “We have been hosting it for a while now and happy to be able to do it. I like it because you get to pack in a lot of experience in a short time and face different teams.”

Cottage Hill Christian. Daphne, Fairhope, Faith Academy, Foley and Spanish Fort took part along with Schilling’s team.