By SCOTT NOVAK

scott.novak@leaderpub.com

NILES — Host Brandywine made short work of Lawrence in the debut of coach Ray Prestly Wednesday night.

The Bobcats defeated the Tigers 25-8, 25-9 and 25-7 in their season opener, but it was not about the final score or the number of kills, digs, aces or assists for Prestly.

It was about learning that you cannot play to the level of your competition, but play like you are facing the best team on your schedule night in and night out. The same goes for practices.

The reason why Prestly is harping on that point with his squad is the fact that either Schoolcraft or Bronson, which is the defending state champion, could be waiting for Brandywine in the opening round of the regional tournament.

While the Bobcats are focused on every opponent, Prestly knows that his team must use the regular season to get ready to defend their district championship. If they survive the first round of the state tournament, then surely the Eagles or Vikings will be waiting for Brandywine, which went five sets with Schoolcraft last year in the regional semifinals before falling.

“What I am trying to teach the kids is not the fundamentals of the game — the hitting, the passing, the setting,” Prestly said. “It is more about moving to make those things happen. That is what we have been practicing a lot on. Once they learn that, then their passing becomes better. Their setting becomes better, and when they actually go to attack on the ball, they have options.”

Brandywine was not at full speed against Lawrence due to some injuries.

“We have some girls that have small injuries, so we were trying to work a different angle for them so they could still compete and not make it where they cannot play,” Prestly said.

Brandywine also showed signs of having to make adjustments to some new players in the rotation, including two setters — one freshman and one sophomore. Senior Bethany Duval said that the adjustment will take some time.

“Starting the season with a new coach and new seniors was a challenge at first,” she said. “They are both so young and still learning our offense. Our coach is doing good at working with us to play better as a team and trusting each other. Our team is coming along pretty well for being so young.”

The Bobcats return to the court Thursday when they host BCS Athletic Conference foe New Buffalo.

Hamilton Quad

The Niles volleyball team had another up and down day as it went 1-2 in Hamilton.

The Vikings (10-7-2) were defeated by Edwardsburg 25-23 and 25-22, before rebounding to beat Spring Lake 27-25 and 25-9. Host Hamilton defeated the Vikings 25-18 and 25-14.

“We came out a little slow and flat, and weren’t communicating like we normally do,” said Niles coach Jenny Nate. “Once we got ourselves warmed up, we played much better, but we had to close a gap at that point and fell short, and we can’t have that kind of start against tough teams. It’s early in the season, and any losses we took tonight I take 100 percent responsibility for as their coach. They have worked extremely hard with four straight play dates in the past five days, and I’m eager to get to practice tomorrow so that I can help them work on some of those areas that will make us stronger as a team.”

Niles is back on the court Sept. 9 when it hosts South Bend St. Joseph.