Henry Daily Herald

STOCKBRIDGE — Woodland volleyball coach Gerri Wright admits that she doesn’t know a whole lot about Southeast Whitfield, the Wolfpack’s quarterfinal opponent today.

But Wright knows enough about her fifth-ranked squad, so if she never gets a scouting report on the No. 2 Raiders, it won’t bother her at all.

“I’ve tried to get some other coaches’ opinions [about Southeast Whitfield],” Wright said. “All I know is they have a good outside hitter and a good setter. But we’re not going to worry much about what they do. We’re going to just play our game and take care of us.”

Woodland’s game has been centered all year around teamwork.

Wright said that this year’s version of the Wolfpack volleyball squad has been “the best teamwork team I’ve ever seen.”

“They always pick each other up,” she said. “They never get down. No one gets irritated on the court when others make a mistake. Just great, great teamwork.”

Wright did single out middle blocker Nicole Findura as one who has consistently impressed this year. Her aggressiveness at the net will be needed as the Wolfpack plays a team hungry to continue improving upon its 2011 Sweet 16 finish.

The Raiders (36-10) are streaking to the tune of 15 straight victories, including Tuesday’s Sweet 16 ouster of Jonesboro, in which they beat the Cardinals 3-1. Southeast Whitfield’s last defeat was Sept. 27, when it lost back to back games against Woodward Academy and Harrison.

But Woodland has undergone a bit of a run themselves, as the Wolfpack (39-3) have won six straight since last losing to 2-0 to Ola on Oct. 6.

Saturday’s 5:30 p.m. game at Southeast Whitfield will decide which team advances to the final four round of the state playoffs at Marist School on Wednesday.

“I feel very positive going into this game,” Wright said. “The team is looking really good. We’re playing well together, serving great, hitting great. It’s perfect timing.”