2022 high school volleyball preview
(Editor's note: This is the sixth in a series previewing area high school fall sports. Only information from coaches who returned questionnaires are included.)
DOVER
Head coach: Beth Mathews, 26th year.
Last season's record/finish: 15-9, District Runner-up.
Returning letterwinners: Reagan Durbin, Sr., middle hitter/outside hitter; Kirsten Garren, Sr., defensive specialist/libero; Molly Sams, Sr., outside hitter; Elaina Samsa, Sr., right side hitter/serving specialist; MacKenzie Neininger, Jr., outside hitter.
Top newcomers: Olivia Andrews, Jr., middle hitter/outside hitter; Rachel Bleininge, Soph., setter/defensive specialist; Madeline Fockler, Soph., setter/defensive specialist; Mycah Freeman, Soph, middle hitter/outside hitter; Lily Galbraith, Soph., outside hitter/defensive specialist; Madi McNeil, Sr., outside hitter/defensive specialist; Isabelle Stoldt, Soph., defensive specialist/libero; Caroline Hanne, Fr., middle hitter; Hailey Kueche, Fr., middle hitter/outside hitter; Chera Schmidt, Fr,. defensive specialist/libero; Quincey Werntz, Fr., setter
Coach's comments: “The girls have been putting in the work during summer and preseason to continue working on their skills,” said Mathews. “After graduating six seniors with substantial varsity experience, we will definitely have a new look this season. We will strive to continue our team philosophy and disciplined approach to the game. As we continue to develop our youth and blend with our upperclassmen, we look to improve every day in the gym and be competitive with every opponent we face.”
CLAYMONT
Head coach: Abbey Mast, 3rd year.
Last season's record/finish: 21-3.
Returning letterwinners: Kailey Watkins, Sr., DS/Opposite; Hannah Wallace, Sr., DS; Emily Grant, Sr., Middle/Right; Marlie Wolf, Sr., Outside; Adrean McMath, Jr., Setter.
Top newcomers: Zoey Rummell, J., Outside; Vada Swain, DS.
Coach's comments: “The girls are working hard.,” said Mast. “We will be a young team trying to fill the spot of 8 seniors we lost last year. I believe we will be in the upper part of the IVC and be a team that will compete with anyone.”
TUSKY VALLEY
Head coach: Marianne Humphrey, 6th year.
Last season's record/finish: 23-3, Sectional champs.
Returning letterwinners: Cara Stump, MB, Sr.; Syd Haas, setter, Sr.; Locie Levengood, OH/DS/S, Jr.; Stella Bandy, OPP/MB/DS, Jr; Aubrie Barr, DS, Soph.; Katelyn Markle, S/OPP, Soph.
Top newcomers: Alayna Burrier, Chloe Ritter, Emma Howard, Adda Spivey.
Coach's comments: “This year’s team returns six lettermen along with four newcomers,” said Humphrey. “While this team may have several underclassmen, this group of young ladies will get the job done with the leadership of the upperclassman. Defense will be the key to success this season.”
NEW PHILADELPHIA
Head coach: Susan Riesen, 1st year (11 years of experience).
Last season's record/finish: 7-15
Returning letterwinners: Ali Voll, Sr., Libero; Brooklyn Crowell, Sr., OH; Makayla Tyson, Sr., DS/OPP; Jordynne Weese, Sr., OPP; Kyla Winters, Sr., MB; Sarah Ciereszewski, Jr., OPP; Kallyn Perks, Jr., Setter; Sidney Vandall, Soph., OH; Ava Riesen, Soph., MB; Ellie Mason, Soph., Setter/OH.
Top newcomers: Kaniah Murdoch, Jr., OH; Julia LeMaster, Jr., MB/OPP; Makenna Oszust, Jr., OPP.
Coach's comments: “Entering a new league this season in the OCC, we are excited for our new competition,” said Riesen. “After last year’s youth on the court, we are expecting that experience to translate into a higher level of performance. We have had a great summer and are looking forward to getting the season started.”
CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: Kristen Trivoli, 6th year.
Last season’s record/finish: 17-8.
Returning lettermen: Jordyn Caldwell, Sr., outside hitter/setter; Rylee Dillon, Sr., Defensive Specialist; Maddie Ferrell, Sr., outside hitter/setter; Reese Triplett, Sr., middle hitter.
Top newcomers: Julia Sciarretti, Soph., outside hitter; Taryn Sunderli, Soph., hitter; Khloe Trivol , Fr., middle hitter
Coach’s comments: "I believe this season the Saints will continue to grow and advance,” said Trivoli. “We have several returning lettermen who are now the upperclassmen and leaders of the team. We are looking forward to a great season with much learning and growth.”
GARAWAY
Head coach: Jessica Schwartz, 5th year.
Returning lettermen: Shelby Gerber, Sr., S ;Nicole Custer, Sr., MH; Hailey Schlabach, Sr., RS; Jordyn Keim, Jr., OH; Morgan Schlabach, Soph., OH.
Top newcomers: Candace Sparling, Sr., RS; Morgan Ryan, Jr., MH; Grace Yoder, Jr., S; Cora Head, Soph., MH/OH.
Coach’s comments: “We return a group of experienced letterwinners and some talented newcomers to the roster,” said Schwartz. “They continue to improve each day and are excited to compete in the strong IVC South conference. We are eager to attack our challenging season schedule to prepare us for the tournament trail in 2022.”
STRASBURG
Head coach: Kaylyn Archer, 4th year.
Last season's record/finish: 17-8
Returning letterwinners: Audrey Allensworth, Sr., DS; Zoey Minard, Sr., DS; Maggie Richards, Sr., OH; Sydney Sibila, Sr., DS; Aubrey Thomas, Sr., Setter/OH; Reagan Eberhardt, Jr., MH/RH; Ada Richards, Jr., Setter/DS; Riley Thomas, Soph., MH.
Top newcomers: Phebe Farmer, Sr., DS; Lauren Harvey, Soph., RH/DS; Sierra Minard, Soph., OH/RH; Ella Gilkerson, Fr., OH/RH; Lizzy Hill, Fr., OH; Ally Miller, Fr., MH/RH; Lyla Wiggs, Fr., Setter/DS.
Coach's comments: “Making it to District Finals for the first time in 17 years has instilled great confidence in our returning players, and has also pushed them and our incoming players to go further,” said Archer. “With big shoes left behind from last year’s seniors, we have found a way to fill them. Where our offense is still working out the kinks, our defenders are making great moves to make it work.”
RIVER VIEW
Head coach: Rose Olinger, 6th year.
Last season's record/finish: 17-7
Returning letterwinners: Kayla Dulgar, Sr., setter/outside hitter; Cayla Shrimplin, Sr., libero; Alivia Spaulding, Sr., middle hitter; Adison Smith, Sr., defensive specialist; Brittany Henderson, Jr., setter; Bailey Laudick, Jr., outside hitter;
Top newcomers: Haley Balo, freshman hitter/DS
Coach's comments: “We are excited for the 2022 season,” said Olinger. “With several veteran players and fresh new talent, we are hoping to start right where we left off last season and build from there. Improving our spot in the tough MVL league and making a tournament run are some of our goals.
INDIAN VALLEY
Head coach: Allison Bolon, 1st year.
Last season's record/finish: 9-14
Returning letterwinners: Jacie Herman, Sr., Defensive Specialist; Kadee Hickenbottom, Sr., Outside Hitter; Kendall Polen, Sr., Right Side HItter; Sadie Dryden, Jr., Setter; Gabby Meade, Jr., Middle HItter; Celeste Rummell, Jr., Defensive Specialist; Alexa Schuler, Soph., Middle Hitter.
Top newcomers: Avery DePriest, Sr., Outside Hitter; Althea Dotts, Sr., Right Side Hitter; Hanah Williamson, Jr., Libero; Macy Lancaster, Soph., Setter; Ellionna Stidd, Soph., Outside/Middle Hitter.
Coach's comments: “We are very fortunate to have such a large group of returning letter winners to lead our team this year,” said Bolon. “They bring a great deal of leadership and experience back this season. The team has worked extremely hard all summer to prepare for this upcoming season and they are excited to play.”
CARROLLTON
Head coach: Amanda Tressa, 13th year.
Last season's record/finish: 6-16.
Returning letterwinners: Molly Brace, Sr., Setter; Brandi Hafner, Sr., Middle Hitter; Lauren Marmo, Sr., Right-Side Hitter; Bayley McClelland, Sr., Defensive Specialist; Bri Shockey, Sr., Outside Hitter; Ellie Shafer, Sr., Outside Hitter; Brylie Wade, Sr., Setter.
Top newcomers: Gracie Bagozzi, Sr., Defensive Specialist; Maleyna Havens, Jr., Middle Hitter; Abby Neice, Sr., Defensive Specialist.
Coach's comments: “The girls have been working hard and putting the time in during the off-season,” said Tressa. “We’re looking to improve on last season with more experienced players.”
SANDY VALLEY
Head coach: Brad Shupe, 1st year at Sandy Valley, 33rd as a coach.
Last year’s record/finish: 4-19.
Returning letterwinners: Miah Delaney, OH, Sr.; Lexi Tucc, OH, Jr.; Grace Haswell, MH, Jr.; Jasmine Rock, OH, Sr.; Zoe Ward, setter, Jr.; Demi Faiello, LIB, Jr.; Joey Boyer, DS, Sr.
Top newcomers: Tatum Davis, Teresa Petro.
Coach’s comments: “We're excited to keep working hard to put a quality product on the floor,” said Shupe. “There's a good core group that wants to improve and put up some "W"s this season. Our IVC division is strong, but we feel we can be very competitive.”
CONOTTON VALLEY
Head coach: Denell Gordon, 3rd year at Conotton Valley.
Last season's record/finish: 11-11.
Returning letterwinners: Kiera Tuerk, Sr., outside hitter/middle hitter; Chloe Stuber, Sr., setter/libero; Daphne Stuber, Sr., libero/defensive specialist; Jordyn Braun, Sr., defensive specialist/setter; Katie Schaar, Sr., middle hitter; Masy Baker, Jr., outside hitter; Kelsey Edie, Soph., libero/defensive specialist; Mylie Galigher, outside hitter/defensive specialist.
Top newcomers: Delliah Williams, setter; Maddie Kelley, outside hitter/middle hitter.
Coach's comments: “We are returning a solid group of players from last season and adding a few more talented players to the mix,” said Gordon. “We are setting our goals high this year and would like to see a deeper tournament run this time around.”
NEWCOMERSTOWN
Head coach: Abby Collins, 1st year as head varsity coach.
Returning letterwinners: JessieFish, Sr, Middle blocker; Marlie Moner, Sr., outside Hitter/defensive specialist; Jaidyn Peoples: Jr., outside Hitter; Keiona Warren, Jr., Defensive specialist, Braelyn Fish, Jr., defensive specialist, Julia Sanders, Jr., outside Hitter, Zoey Mathews, Jr., setter; Larissa Stull:, Soph., middle blocker, Alexus Miles, Soph., outside hitter.
Top newcomers: “As my first year at the varsity level, I am getting to know all of the girls and their specialties,” said Collins. “I am very excited about how hard every one of them has worked and their commitment to the program this summer. All of our upperclassmen bring experience and team unity to the program and we have a very athletic group of underclassmen coming up that will be great additions to the program in the years to come. Iliana Harris and Alyssa Barker will both be seeing varsity time this year. Both girls have progressed with their hitting and blocking since last season and will be a great addition to the current returning lettermen.”
Coach's comments: "The girls on this team are exceptional ladies,” said Collins. "Our two seniors Marlie Moner and Jessie Fish, are top notch leaders who never stop giving 100% and are passionate about the sport of volleyball. The upperclassmen have developed an incredible bond and have created a family atmosphere that would rival most. Couple that with their athletic talents and it is a recipe for good things to come. We have a strong athletic group of freshmen and sophomores who will be great additions to this program at both JV and potentially varsity levels. We are also looking at having a freshman team due to the large number of incoming 9th grade athletes which is exciting in itself due to the high interest of the program.”
“I am excited to see our athletes' hard work, dedication, loyalty to one another and skills come together for the 2022 fall season. This is a year of building and utilizing our strong work ethic and desire for excellence to have a successful program.”
MALVERN
Head coach: Karli Virtue, 12th year.
Last season’s record/finish: 3-20, 2-10 in the Inter-Valley Conference.
Returning letterwinners: Maddie Powers Sr., OH, MH; Olivia Brothers, Jr., S; Abby Moody, Jr., S; Camryn Severs, Jr., L/DS; Haley Wilkinson, Jr., MH/OH; Kenna Ball, Soph., MH; Audrey Sikorsky, Soph., OH/MH.
Top newcomers: Hallie Ford, Jr., MH/RS; Eve Richard, Jr., Zoe Sikorsky, Fr., L/DS.
Coach’s comments: "This year we will rely on experience to compete at a varsity level in each game,” said Virtue. “Although this group has struggled through a rough season last year, they have learned resilience and grit to push through and win games. Their dedication to winning is definitely a strength this early in the season. As a team we are pretty solid all the way around and have some great players that have worked hard to develop in the off season. Our Hornet team can be good if we put our hearts and minds to winning as a team. After last year’s showing, I feel like we will surprise some teams this year and be able to take some big wins home. We know we have some great competitors in the IVC and look forward to bringing the best to the court each game to finish with a strong season.”
FAIRLESS
Head coach: Jen Wade, 1st year (coached 2002-2006 & 2009-2010 as at Copley).
Last year’s record/finish: 3-19.
Returning letterwinners: Jaileigh Price, Jr., MH; Annabelle Kegley, Jr., OH; Lydia Highben, Jr., Setter; Marlee Hannum, Jr., DS; Cailey Kinder, Jr., Setter/RH.
Top newcomers: Olivia Lion, Jr., OH (returned after not playing last year); Mya Fowler, Soph., DS; Kylie Radich, Fr., DS.
Coach's comments: "These girls are learning how to win in life and on the court," said Wade. "I’m loving working with the girls. They are giving me everything they have, are willing to be uncomfortable, and working together as a team."
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: 2022 high school volleyball preview
