SPRINGDALE — Springdale Har-Ber volleyball coach Sandy Jones knew who to target in a team meeting three weeks ago following a disappointing loss at home to Shiloh Christian.
She went after the five seniors, including Tayleah Neal, a middle blocker.
“We got a little bit cocky that we could come and just blow them out of the water,” Neal said of the defeat to the Lady Saints. “We were overconfident and didn’t play as a team. Since then, we’ve learned not to judge teams by what we’ve heard or about how they look in warmups. We’re more focused, no matter who we’re playing.”
Apparently so.
Har-Ber (10-4, 6-2 7A/6A-West Conference) has reeled off five consecutive victories in conference action since that loss to Class 5A Shiloh Christian, including a 3-0 sweep over Van Buren at home on Tuesday. The Lady Wildcats have regained some confidence and will get a chance to avenge an earlier defeat when they play at Bentonville on Thursday.
“When we play together, we’re a pretty good team,” Neal said. “If we keep doing that, I think we’re going to do very well the rest of the season.”
Neal (5-foot-11) is the most improved player on the team after spending last season as a reserve. She’s displayed a better work ethic and attitude with her teammates and coaches, especially when things don’t go her way.
“Mainly, it’s her attitude that is so much better,” Jones said of Neal, who had 11 blocks Tuesday in the sweep over Van Buren. “Last year, her attitude got in her way of playing. She would get so upset at herself and her teammates because she wasn’t doing what she was supposed to, and she was blaming everybody else.
“So, she’s matured and her skill level has improved and she’s really come up big for us in blocking.”
Neal, who is also a post player on the Har-Ber girls basketball team, said she was aware of her shortcomings and worked hard to overcome them.
“I’m a competitive person and I really don’t like to lose,” Neal said. “I get in trouble sometimes because I show emotion on my face, especially in basketball when there’s a bad call against us. But I think I’ve gotten a lot better about controlling my emotions and I think I’m listening to my coach better and taking her info. She’s a good coach.”
Neal has also taken on a role as a senior leader for a team filled with juniors and sophomores.
“Tayleah is a good example for me as a sophomore,” said Kim Huff, who led Har-Ber with seven kills against Van Buren on Tuesday. “I like playing next to her because she plays her hardest and does things to help them team win.”
Following volleyball, Neal will rejoin the Har-Ber basketball team for her third season on varsity. She also plans to throw the discus for the Har-Ber track and field team before graduating and turning her attention to college.
“I want to become an athletic trainer, but I’d also like to play sports in college,” Neal said.
With an improved skill level and better attitude, she could get that chance.