Family-like atmosphere a driving force in special season for Seahawks

Larry Church has taken a simple approach.

The Myrtle Beach volleyball coach told his squad to just “focus on the process.”

So far, Church’s Seahawks have followed through, dominating opponents all season long and Myrtle Beach is just one win away from competing for the Class AAA state championship. But Church and the Seahawks haven’t looked past any opponent this season and just focus on the task at hand.

“Winning is not even our goal. Our goal is to play each point to the best of our ability,” said Church, whose team beat No. 1 Hartsville 3-0 in the third round of the Class AAA playoffs Thursday. “It doesn’t matter who we play; we enter every match with the same mindset and that’s taking care of the little things. Once we do that, man, it’s a fun game and all the girls have really bought into the idea of just focusing on the process.”

And the results have followed.

Myrtle Beach (17-1) didn’t drop a single game in Region VII-AAA play en route to a 9-0 record and No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

“We just play really well together and we’re never intimidated,” Seahawks freshman Gracie Davis said. “To finish undefeated in the region was extremely rewarding.”

The Seahawks didn’t stop there, either.

During postseason play, Myrtle Beach has swept all three of its opponents (Crestwood, Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Hartsville). Davis said playing in a strong region has helped the Seahawks get ready for tough playoff opponents.

“Playing teams like North Myrtle Beach and St. James has really helped prepare us for the playoffs,” Davis said. “Now that we’ve played some really good teams in the playoffs, too, I think we’re playing at our full potential now.”

Myrtle Beach’s only loss this year came at the hands of Class AAAA Socastee as the Seahawks fell to the Braves 3-1 on Sept. 8. Since then, Myrtle Beach has shut out 14 of its past 15 opponents.

The Seahawks’ secret weapon? Cassie Runyon.

“Cassie is one of those players where you don’t notice her all the time but when she get’s going, she’s dangerous,” Church said of his sophomore hitter, who had eight kills Thursday. “On this team, she’s kind of been a hidden gem for us.”

Davis, Runyon and senior Maggie Slabinski have been the core of this Myrtle Beach squad. All three are members of the Grand Strand Juniors club team, playing year-round to keep fresh and hone their skills.

Runyon said in order to be dominant at this level, it’s absolutely necessary to play year-round.

“It definitely helps a lot [playing for Grand Strand Juniors] because you’re getting reps throughout the whole year and get to see some good competition,” Runyon said. “A lot of players on our team play for the club team. It helps a lot.”

Meanwhile, Davis — already a two-time Region VII-AAA Player of the Year as a freshman — has played lights out all year and has led the Seahawks in kills in every match. In the playoffs, Davis picked up right where she left off, posting an average of 14 kills in her three postseason matches.

“Gracie is just incredible, that’s the best way to put it. Even though she’s a freshman, she’s been playing for me for three years,” Church said. “She doesn’t play like a freshman, either. She’s really stepped into a big leadership role for this team.”

The Seahawks will lose just two seniors (Slabinski, Emily Wunder) from its starting rotation next year. Church said this is a really tight-knit group and perhaps one of the best he’s ever coached.

“It’s definitely one of the better ones. In 2011, we went to the state finals with that team and both have that same feel of togetherness,” Church said. “I think we’re a really talented team but as far as playing together, this is a special group of kids. Man, I love coaching this team.”

Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach has a familiar opponent up next.

The Seahawks will travel to take on Hilton Head Island in the Lower State finals Tuesday at 6 p.m.

“We beat Hilton Head earlier in the season and we’re looking at a team we really need to bring our A-game against,” Church said. “We’re extremely fortunate to be in this position and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

This story was originally published November 7, 2015 at 9:44 PM with the headline "Family-like atmosphere a driving force in special season for Seahawks."