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With another high school volleyball season on the horizon, some of the more familiar teams who should make noise in 2016 are the same teams who have been in the spotlight in the past.
In District 6 4A, once again it will boil down to Altoona and State College, with the Lady Spikers showing a well-balanced team that is deep at all positions.
On the 3A map, Hollidaysburg is posed for another strong season with the return of Maddie Clapper and Ally Wyland, both of whom were district all-stars a year ago. The top team in the local Horseshoe Volleyball Club had four to five players from Hollidaysburg on it, and the Lady Tigers also won the Mount Aloysius Summer League, which features some of the top teams in the area.
In 2A, Penn Cambria has to be feeling good about itself after recently reaching the gold medal round at the Juniata College team camp. Setter Alyssa Montgomery is a four-year starter and Riley Anderson is an all-state outside hitter.
In 1A, it looks like Northern Cambria, Bishop Carroll and Bishop Guilfoyle will fight it out for supremacy. Carroll is led by Ava Myers while the Lady Marauders will be led by Lauren Betar and Katie Axinn.
Altoona
Coach: Karan Price, 35th season
Career record: 431-206
Last year’s record: 9-6
League: Independent
Returning starters: Seniors-Rachel Borst, Kylee Clawson, Lindsey Fasolo. Juniors-Maddie Benton, Kenzi Irwin. Sophomores-Bridgid Fox.
Other returnees: Seniors-Sidney Puhatch, Kristin Wineland, Kaila Clawson.
Newcomers: Juniors-Brittney McChestney, Axelle Marcelli, Kizzey Thompkins. Sophomores-Emily Albright. Freshmen-Maggie Fox, Sakeria Haralson, Gianna Marcelli.
Strengths: “We are returning a solid core of experienced, versatile, athletic players. We feel that our tough serving, as well as passing and scrappy defense, are our strengths this season.”
Concerns: “We lack a consistent put-away hitter. Thus, we are going to have to rely on a balanced attack across the net. As always we have a very demanding schedule that will push us to become more disciplined day-in and day-out with all details of the game.”
Overall outlook: “We are excited to get our season underway. Our team has set very high goals for themselves. Provided we have determined player-driven leadership and learn to play more disciplined volleyball, we feel confident that our team will be exciting to watch, and a definite contender for the District 6 4A title by the end of the season.”
Assistant coaches: John Saboe, Chris Perino, Jenna Abram.
Junior high coaches: Chris Perino, Katelyn Tomlinson, Jenna Abram, Dave Swartz
Bedford
Coach: Sharon Hine, 28th season
Last year’s record: 15-7
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Paige Hillegas. Juniors-Jaden Fuller.
Other returnees: Seniors-Brooke Weaverling. Juniors-Bailey Edwards.
Newcomers: Seniors-Rachael Bernabe, Michelle Morris, Rebekah Rose, Katie Wertz. Juniors-Teresa Custer, Larkyn Edwards, Abbi Miller, Devan Miller, Cassie Nouse, Heidi Rush, Lindsay Seifert, Reilly Tegeler. Sophomores-Jess Hartman, Sharees Klavuhn, Joellica McKean, Clarese Smith, Daphne Stayer, Tristan Stahlman, Brooke Lankey
Strengths: “Strong serving team. Scrappy. Enjoy playing.”
Concerns: “Keep everyone happy and healthy.”
Overall outlook: “Play one game at a time. Go as far as we can.”
Assistant coaches: Julie Wertz, Stacey Imler.
Junior high coaches: Lori Beth Logsdon, Katie Friedline
Bellwood-Antis
Coach: Annette Wilkins, eighth season
Career record: 104-32
Last year’s record: 14-5 overall and 11-3 in league
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Sophia Damiano, Abby Luensmann, Alanna Leidig, Lindsey Southworth. Juniors-Kamryn Mercer, Alexis Parson.
Other returnees: Seniors-Phoebe Potter. Juniors-Ali Dumin, Kyra Woomer. Sophomores-Kaelynn Behrens, Jestelyn Heaton, Cassidy Shawley.
Newcomers: Juniors-Alexis Gerwert. Sophomores-Jordan Rachael. Freshmen-Karlie Feathers, Bella Kies,Sydney Lechner.
Strengths: “We have our entire varsity team, except one, returning.”
Concerns: “We have some team dynamics to work out.”
Overall outlook: “There are some strong incoming new players and it will be interesting to see how they will contribute to the solid returning varsity.”
Assistant coaches: Heather Quick
Junior high coaches: Susanne Woomer
Bishop?Carroll
Coach: Joe Skura, ninth season
Career record: 125-61
Last year’s record: 15-7 overall and in league
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic
Returning starters: Seniors-Ava Myers. Sophomores-Kayla Repko, Anna Haigh.
Other returnees: Seniors-Alexa Dunchack, Ashley Durbin. Juniors-Caroline Semelsberger. Sophomores-Carly Clark.
Newcomers: Juniors-Emma Simmons, Alivia Lucas. Sophomores-Kate Yahner. Freshmen-Sara Muriceak, Mara Yahner.
Strengths: “Strong volleyball experience. Most of the team played club ball. Most have strong confidence and positive attitudes and exude heart for the sport. They have also experienced success in summer camps and leagues.”
Concerns: “Staying positive and confident and finishing in a tough match. Staying healthy and fresh in a tough schedule with three matches per week is always a concern.”
Overall outlook: “I expect this team to be highly competitive within our very tough conference as long as they are selfless. They have all of the tools to be successful, and just have to ensure they work together to make the winning happen. Nothing is stopping them from achieving our highest goals.”
Assistant coaches: Katie Wyland, Stephanie Basile, Jocelyn Myers.
Junior high coaches: Joe Skura, Alexa Semelsberger.
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
Coach: Bob Kasun, 12th season
Career record: 163-77
Last year’s record: 9-11
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: None
Other returnees: Seniors-Danielle Miller, Lauren Betar, Katie Axinn, Kathleen Price, Marissa Leonard, Natalie Nardelli, Emily Bare. Juniors-Carly Ebersole.
Newcomers: Sophomores-Rachel Resick, Pam Lund, Rachel Meintel, Alicia Nicolini, Beth Yahner, Mickie Smith, Emily Brown, Mackenzie Delongis, Gabby Krug. Freshmen-Emily Kasun, Giana Georgiana, Alese Rinker, Alyssa Erndl, Lexi Kilmartin, Blaise Kilmartin.
Strengths: “Great team chemistry. Leadership and team-first commitment from seniors. Exciting talent in our program. Our junior high team is coming off an undefeated season.”
Concern: “Lack of varsity court experience. Lauren Betar and Katie Axinn played a part-time role on varsity, but they will be counted on to serve a lead-by-example role on the team. We’re asking all other upperclassmen to step up into bigger roles and younger players to play beyond their years.”
Overall outlook: “This team competes extremely hard and is open to coaching. By the end of the season, we will be a team in the thick of the District 6 playoff race.”
Assistant coaches: Gary Evangelisto, Jess Welteroth
Cambria Heights
Coach: Paula Lamb, first season
Last year’s record: 3-13
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Maddie Kline, Allison Farabaugh, Maddie Thomas. Juniors-Charlotte Farabaugh. Sophomores-Olivia Conrad, Megan McGowan.
Other returnees: Seniors-Brooke Sell. Juniors-Taylor Eckenrode, Sydney Farabaugh, Jade Henry, Tessa Letso, Julie Seech. Sophomores-Taylor Mongelluzzo, Jocelyn Rezk, Grace Shaffer.
Newcomers: Freshmen-Nicole McCombie, Emily Henry, Isabella Stanko
Strengths: “We have a well-balanced team of returning and new players that have well-rounded skill sets. The experienced players have stepped up to lead the team to be strong in the front and back line. We have a team of girls focused on defense to win one game at a time.”
Concerns: “Having the girls adapt to another new coach this year. As a new coach, I don’t want to get ahead of the season. I just want to take each practice and game one at a time. I am also hoping we have no injuries and stay healthy.”
Overall outlook: “We are ready to start the season, and battle it out in the league and have a winning record.”
Assistant coach: Stacie Packard
Central
Coach: Erin Barley, fifth season
Career record: 36-29
Last year’s record: 11-5 overall and 10-4 in league
League: Mountain
Returning starters: Seniors-Abby Carder, Anna Ormsby, Vicky Violet. Juniors-Katie Harker. Sophomores-Jocie Miller.
Other returnees: Seniors-Lauren Brumbaugh, Zoe Mellott. Juniors-Alyssa Bassler, Kat Cuomo, Chelsey Dick. Sophomores-Bethany Wyant
Newcomers: Freshmen-Erin Brumbaugh, Lainie Heuston
Strengths: “A core group of our players worked hard this off-season to better themselves as people and athletes, and I look forward to seeing them reap the benefits of their efforts. We have some solid returnees and some exciting newcomers who could help to convert a rebuilding year by the end of the season.”
Overall outlook: “This season is crucial as we seek to redefine what it means to be a Lady Dragon. This year’s squad has the potential to elevate team, school and community expectations for girls’ volleyball in that they are exemplary student-athletes, seek to be servant leaders, and wish to compete on a level previously not desired by past teams.”
Assistant coaches: James Barley, Daniel Hart
Junior high coaches: Ken Streilein, Brandon Meck
Central Cambria
Coach: Shaman Kemock
Career record: First season
Last year’s record: 9-10
Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic
Returning starters: Seniors-Lei Holes, Heather Hendrickson. Juniors-Abbey Young. Sophomores-Jean Braun.
Other returnees: Seniors-AI Bodenshats. Juniors-Claire Farabaugh, Tess Goings, Alexis Wirfel.
Newcomers: Sophomores-Leah Bracken, Cyanide Long, Ashley Grimes, Emily Muffin, Alloys Potts, Sydney Sheriff. Freshmen-Cyanide Bezek, Liz Bop, Emily Keeper.
Strengths: “Strong core group of returnee. The girls are dedicated and have been working all summer to improve their game.”
Concerns: “We are a very young thematic some girls playing in new positions.”
Overall outlook: “We will be led by a mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen. We have a great group of seniors who are looking to end their high school careers on a high note, as well as a determined group of underclasmen who are looking to start their careers off strong. We are looking to make the playoffs this year for the first time in a number of years. We believe we have the ability, dedication and volleyball skills to reach that goal.”
Assistant coaches: Melissa Ingraham, Brooke Forcealini, Lindsay Beyer
Junior high coaches: Keith Gilkey, Gretchen Getz
Chestnut Ridge
Coach: Jo O’Brien, first season
League: Sideling Hill
Returning players: Seniors-Mariah Barefoot, Darcee Diehl, Kaylin Gaudette, McKenna Grasser, Nicole Shank. Juniors-Megan Diehl, Emily Parks. Sophomores-Lydia Mock, Brielle Mock.
Newcomers: Sophmores-Claire Bailey, Samantha Baney, Kayla Diehl, Alex Dunlap, Attison Milliron, Hannah Leppert, Makayla Weyant
Strengths: “We have two strong outside hitters to pair with a very good setter. The girls work well together and help keep each other’s spirits high. Blocking looks good.”
Concerns: “We need to learn to fill in the holes when the blockers miss.”
Overall outlook: “I think we have a good team that works well together, communicates and loves the game.”
Assistant coach: Jayna Ellis
Claysburg-Kimmel
Coach: Alison McMullen, fourth season
Career record: 43-15
Last year’s record: 17-3
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Elizabeth Weiland, Keyara Morgan. Sophomores-Emily Claar.
Other returnees: Seniors-Sidney Thompson, McKenzie Musselman.
Newcomers: Juniors-Katelynn Claar, Kayla Fluke, Carson McCready, Emily Walter, Makenzie Weyandt. Sophomores-Jazmin Kennedy, Richelle Brown, Justina Brown, Emily Claycomb, Elizabeth Dodson, Jenna Hunter, Corryne Weyandt. Freshmen-Megan Hartman, Haleigh Snyder, Olivia Luke.
Strengths: “We are very quick. We have some younger girls that will provide us with some different options.”
Concerns: “We have a very young team, and we are moving girls into different roles for the bettermentof the team.”
Overall outlook: “We have some tremendous athletes. We are in a rebuilding year,but I believe we will still have an excellent season.”
Assistant coach: Rex Whetstone
Everett
Coach: Sue Conner, 29th season
Career record: 451-244
Last year’s record: 10-13 overall and 8-10 in league
League: Inter-County Conference and Sideling Hill
Returning starters: Seniors-Taylor Duvall, Alyssa Eisenhart, Kiersten Jay, Alaina Shumaker.
Other returnees: Rachel Daley, Morgan Davis, Marci Robinette. Juniors-Ashley Kovel, Caylen Lepport, Erica Weaver, Kayla Clark, Jocelyn Deneen, MaKena Foor, Alexis Nelson (manager), Skylynn Miller, Cayla Elbin.
Newcomers: Juniors-Mia Cogen. Sophomores-Tadesa Conner, Elizabeth Jay, Makensie Headley, Taylor Sobsczak, Madison Turner.
Strengths: “Our underclassmen are our most athletic players, but our senior starters have the most experience on the court. That gives us depth at each position. I also have a few players that can play multiple positions.”
Concerns: “We lost our starting setter, so we’ll have to feel our way into who will run the offense. There are only three total setters, two of which are seniors, so one of them will have to play JV and varsity. I’m looking for someone to step up and be a leader, whether it’s a senior or an underclassmen.”
Overall outlook: “We look to have a .500 or better record. The girls would like to make it back in the playoff scene, so we’ll have to keep working hard to improve every aspect of the game.”
Assistant coaches: Shannon Smitley, Samantha Conner, Amanda Weaver.
Glendale
Coach: Sarah Klezek, fourth season
Last year’s record: 2-18 overall and 0-10 in league
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Keneisha Gustafson. Juniors-Kristen Hewitt. Sophomores-Cassidy Hamilton, Jamie Wolfe.
Other returnees: Seniors-Jaslynn Wimberly. Juniors-Hannah Dudurich, Taylor Fischer, Sierra Korinchak. Sophomores-Tessa Berger, Rain Delucia, Kimberly Shepler, Raylene Simmers, Jessica Weld
Newcomers: Juniors-Riley Gabrielson. Sophomores-Kennedy LeMaster, Alexis Mulhollen, Cheyenne Sacolic. Freshmen-Abby Cherry, Madison Lukehart, Karly Grimes, Katieann Rydbom, Oliva Spanik, Kelsey Thompson
Strengths: “We have a lot of returning players this year, including four returning letterwinners. Our serve receive, ball handling and serves have improved. This group of girls won’t give up. They hustle and have worked extremely hard to prepare for this season.”
Concerns: “We are a young team. We are really looking for some younger players to take on the leadership role.”
Overall outlook: “We are serving and passing better, and we’re looking to go out there and show our improved program.”
Assistant coaches: Alyse Croll
Junior high coaches: Rick Stackhouse, James Haney
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Marla Wyland, second season
Last year’s record: 11-5
Conference: Independent
Returning starters: Maddie Clapper, Rachel Gualdoni, Miranda Rhodes, Alyssa Rosamilia, Ali Wyland. Juniors-Tihani Guzman.
Other returnees: Seniors-Geena Walters. Juniors-MacKenzie Reed.
Newcomers: Seniors-Courtney Byrnes, Morgan Holland. Junior-Eden Taddei. Sophomores-Rylee Ritko, Claire Sauerland.
Strengths: “We are returning all of our starters and have an experienced and talented group of seniors with strong chemistry; aggressive at the net; strong serving and bench.”
Concerns: “We need to minimize unforced errors, stay healthy, and play up for every single set of every match.”
Overall outlook: “We have a strong team and a talented group of of girls that have worked very hard for this season. We plan on playing at a high level and being very competitive.”
Assistant coaches: Branden McGarvey, Malachi Hamilton.
Junior high coaches: Larry Burk, Kelly Smith
Huntingdon
Coach: Regina Sellers, second season
Last year’s record: 9-9
Conference: Mountain
Returning starters: Seniors-Kendall Hudy, Emily Kyle, Sierra Thompson. Juniors-Timani Easter
Other returnees: Seniors-Katelyn Ewing, Maggie Hawbaker, Olivia Himes, Trisha Yedlosky. Juniors-Leah Reed, Alexis Ritchey. Sophomores-Gabby Brown, Kaden Sims Basil, Mallory Sellers, Emmy Kurtz, Lauren Itinger, Chrislynn Patrick, Haley Goldstone, Aly Kyper, Amanda Norris.
Newcomers: Seniors-Guilia Passalaqua. Sophomores-Allison Goldstone. Freshmen-Kynnedy Miller, Kaitlyn McElroy, Rachael Kyle, Allie Troup, Hayley Riley, Tori Thompson, Sophia Dinardi.
Strengths: “Versatility of players. Young talent to fill varsity spots.”
Concerns: “Due to the late change in the coaching staff, the team is not as polished as you would expect at this point in the season. We are inexperienced at the varsity level.”
Overall outlook: “We hope to compete in postseason play.”
Assistant coaches: Mike Sellers, Jr.
Junior high coaches: Susan Sellers, Toby Mitchell
Juniata Valley
Coach: Mary Reed, 10th season
Last year’s record: 6-10
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Cassandra Vogle.
Other returnees: Seniors-Alyssa Podrasky, Diana Simpson, Ashley Wagner. Juniors-Kady Belinda, Kimmy Harker, Paige Galloway, Sara Hutchison. Sophomores-Jayda Hoffmaster, Reagan Lightner, Rachel Foster.
Newcomers: Junior-Hannah Palmatier. Sophomores-Hope Lowe, Bekah Simmet, Olivia Hammers. Freshmen-Hayden Taylor, Halee Smith, Brooke Boonie, Madison Dick, Moriah Hall, Maddy Beasom, Lexie Reed, Darian Gummo, April Boss.
Strengths: “Drive and determination.”
Concerns: “Keeping everyone healthy.”
Overall outlook: “Our JV team finished the season with a 12-4 record, and work really hard well together, so with their drive and determination, and the addition of some great freshmen talent, we are looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Assistant coach: Ed McEwen
Junior high coach: Erin Daugherty, Tara Ormsby, Sara Leighty
Moshannon Valley
Coach: Kenise Buck, first season
Last year’s record: 3-11
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Sophomores-Emma Kitko, McKenzie McCoy
Other returnees: Seniors-Kassidy Lobb. Juniors-McKenzie Campbell. Sophomores-Alexis Knepp, Skylar Barnhart, Tess Randolph
Newcomers: Seniors-Emma Hutton, Caitlin Esposito. Juniors-Kaitlyn Deltufo, Lindsey Dellatre, Paige Richner. Sophomores-Shyann Droll. Freshmen-Hailey Domanick, Madison Fyock, Abby Sage, Bryanna Anderson, Emilee Holenchik, Jacey Williams
Strengths: “The girls have a strong work ethic and are eager to take advice from coaches and other players. I am impressed by the girls asking questions, putting in extra time during breaks, and working on skills at home.”
Concerns: “Inexperience. This is a young team, not just with age, but also playing time. For almost all the girls, this is their first or second season playing at a competitive level.”
Overall outlook: “I am excited to start the season, watch the girls continue to grow stronger as a team,and feel confident in their abilities. I see a bright future for this team.”
Assistant coach: Jon Deemer
Northern Bedford
Coach: Lindsey Clark, second season
Last year’s record: 3-15
League: Sideling Hill
Returning starters: Seniors-Morgan Kichman, Emma Eckenroad. Juniors-Maddie Cherry
Other returnees: Seniors-Jessika Brantner. Juniors-Kaylee Bowers. Sophomores-Cameron Pressel, Kyleigh Reasy
Newcomers: Sophomores-Ally Ritchey, Mara Laird, Chloe Diehl, Krysta Kennedy, Shyann Zelanko
Strengths: “Our strength this year will be our strong net play and strong leadership from our seniors. We also have experience and hard-working girls that will help strengthen our record this year.”
Concerns: “My overall concern is that we are small in numbers. Last year we were tending to a lot of injuries and we can’t afford to do that this year.”
Overall outlook: “We are looking to improve on last season. We have experience and team leadership that will help steer us in the right direction.”
Assistant coach: Todd Eckenroad
Northern Cambria
Coach: Mike Hogan, 26th season
Last year’s record: 11-8, 10-4 in league
Conference: Heritage
Returning starters: Seniors-Kara Paronish, Brianna Phillips, Emily Pavelko, Breanna Lieb.
Other returnees: Seniors-Caitlin Rippen, Desire Peles. Juniors-Ashlee Parrish.
Newcomers: Juniors-Mallory Bernard. Sophomores-Paige Kirkpatrick, Nicole Bearer, Kaitln Kudlawiec, Natalie Krug. Freshmen-Autumn Donatelli, Brookie Lieb, Jenna Lutch, Zoey Novella, Sydney Sheredy, Abby Daisley, Rayna Buzaa, Karley Kirsch, Dakota Shonsky
Strengths: “Solid returning group with some very athletic players challenging for playing time.”
Concerns: “Staying healthy, focused and improving every single time we step in the gym.”
Outlook: “Very good. I believe we could be a very good team by the end of the season. We are looking forward to getting back into an exciting postseason with a few exciting big games.”
Assistant coaches: Jen Dumm, Ashley Kirsch, Jess Valeria
Penn Cambria
Coach: Leah Montgomery, 16th season
League: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Alyssa Montgomery, Stefanie Madonna, Riley Anderson, Lauren O’Neill, Kristin Wray. Juniors-Miche Burkett. Sophomores-Makalyn Clapper.
Other returnees: Juniors-Carlee Karabinos, Kylie Guzic, Alayna O’Donnell, Katie Grant. Sophomores-Mia McCarthy, Macy Sral, Laken Guzic, Lexi Eckenrode, Ryanna Hockenos, Kylie Quinn.
Newcomers: Juniors-Abbi Williamson. Sophomores-Maddie Murphy. Freshmen-Morgan O’Neill, Sarah Moreland.
Strengths: “Teamwork. Coachable. Experience. Enthusiasm.”
Concerns: “Injuries. Drama. Consistency.”
Overall outlook: “Barring injury and drama, we should have a good season. The girls are working hard together. They are enjoying playing and are excited to get started. We had awesome scrimmages and team camp and hopefully, that carries through the season.”
Assistant coach: Kate Kalwanaski
Philipsburg-Osceola
Coach: Dave Eckburg, seventh season
Career record: 150-49
Last year’s record: 21-8 overall and 11-3 in league
League: Mountain
Returning starters: Seniors-Sadie Granville, Annie Kost. Juniors-Morgan Thompson, Mackenzie Welker, Hannah Thompson, Mollie Maguire, Camryn Frank. Sophomore-Jadyn Eckberg
Other returnees: Junior-Brynn Bailey. Sophomores-Kameron Harris, Rachel Simpson.
Newcomers: Freshmen-Kyleigh Kennedy, Abby Davis, Mandy Romano, Madeline Sparks, Adria Lewis, Kylie Adams, Roselyn Weaver, Kaitlinn Miller.
Strengths: “Serving. Defense.”
Concerns: “Lack of height. Blocking.”
Overall outlook: “We are optimistic that our serving and defense will allow us to be competitive in every match. We need to be more consistent with our setting and hitting. We have a great group of kids who have been working hard during the preseason.”
Assistant coach: Chelsey Markel, Kaleena Davidson
Junior high coaches: Rachelle Sidorick, Jen McDonald
Portage
Coach: Tyler Johnson, fourth season
Coach’s career record: 23-37
Last year’s record: 5-15 and 5-11 in West-PAC
Conference: WestPAC
Returning starters: Seniors – Lauren McCabe, Jordan Caurvina. Juniors – Issabella Crum, Kylee McCarty, Marisa Ference. Sophomores – Bella Strosnider, Olivia Kissell.
Other returnees: Seniors – Haley Pinos, Emily Krisko, Emylee Simler. Juniors – Kiley Papcun, Angel Nagy, Christy Smith, Josie Nemitz. Sophomore – Summer Viscusi, Sierra Crum, Jenna Teno.
Newcomers: Sophomores – Bella Nagy, Haley Krisko, Kaylee Koval. Freshman-Haley Gribbon, Mackenzie Werfel, Rhianna Benton, Emma Kissell, Caitlyn Papcun, Lakin Philips
Strengths: “Since we’re returning many of our starters from last season, I hope experience will be one of our strengths. These girls have been in the varsity program for one or two season now and that should give us some stability, especially at the beginning of the year.”
Concerns: None
Overall outlook: “Overall we are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season a year ago. We are a year older and I am optimistic about our team. The girls continue to grow and are showing a lot of signs that we are coming together as a team.”
Assistant coaches: Lauren Cordwell
Tussey Mountain
Coach: Kelly Lazor, third season
Career record: 18-17
Last year’s record: 9-9
League: Sideling Hill
Returning starters: Seniors-Kyle Heath, Emily Shuke, Bailey Fields, Autumn Hall. Junior-Maizie Husick.
Other returnees: Seniors-Karah Dickson, Alyssa Waters, Justine Miller, Jaclyn Bollman, Daneeca Brown. Juniors-Madison Steward, Faith Bollman. Sophomores-Delaney Fischer, Haylee Miller.
Newcomers: Juniors-Emily Stull, Kayla Singer.
Strengths: “A lot of versatile players that can switch positions of need.”
Concerns: “Working on our serving game.”
Overall outlook: “I believe it’s going to be a great season. There is a lot of talent on the team. Having nine seniors will be a tough loss at the end of the year, but I’m looking forward to what these girls can do this year. We have a lot of young/new players on the JV team, but we will continue to work with them and get prepared for upcoming years.”
Assistant coach: Jennifer Hall
Junior high coach: Jessica Brumbaugh
Tyrone
Coach: Mike Kraft, third season
Career record: 9-30
Last year’s record: 7-11, 5-9 in ML
Conference: Mountain League
Returning starters: Seniors-Shaniah Lowery, Maddie Veit, Alexis Cannistraci. Juniors-Emily Fusco, Lea Crofcheck, Torrie Foy.
Other returnees: Sophomores-Kristen Johnson, Brooke Welsh, Taylor Pighetti, Ana Walk
Newcomers: Sophomores-Lexi Stevens. Freshmen-Ebonee Rice-Nguyen, Brianna Foy, Alexis Umholtz, McKenna Yaudes, Logan Johnston.
Strengths: “We gained some quality confidence with a young team last year. Our roster is small, but we only have one player that has less than one year experience. With the introduction of a 14-under club team last winter, the incoming freshmen and current sophomores will push the starters from last year. When I first started at Tyrone, I always had to be the bad guy, making sure girls were committing to every ball and putting forth their best effort. I hardly have to take on this role anymore because the girls are now pushing each other.”
Concerns: “With a small roster, injuries are always a concern. We do have some talented youg athletes, but they need some time to develop as players and gain some much needed confidence.”
Overall outlook: “The girls gained confidence last year and competed against some of the bet in our league and area. With most of the starters back from last season, our expectations are higher. People were surprised about Tyrone being competitive as we were last season. I think that surprise factor no longer exists for us.”
Assistant coaches: Robert Oberheim, Lindsay Kemp
Williamsburg
Coach: Carrie Loose, ninth season
Career record: 46-92
Last year’s record: 10-9 overall and 8-6 in league
League: Inter-County Conference
Returning starters: Seniors-Cassidy Bowmaster, Miranda Bell, Lindsey Brubaker. Juniors-Olivia England, Olivia Hostler
Other returnees: Seniors-Adia Litzinger. Sophomores-Morgan Clouser, Paige Gunnett, Caitlyn Kensinger
Newcomers: Freshmen-Hope Cober, Hailee Jones, Ericka Loose, Emily Smith, Teresa Talbert, Haley Tate
Strengths: “A core group of starters are treturning with a lot of varsity experience. The older girls are passionate about the sport and are great leaders.”
Concerns: “Depth at the varsity level. Keeping players healthy is always a concern.”
Overall outlook: “Last year’s team made the district playoffs. With many of the same players on the court, this team will push theselves to the same level this season.”
Assistant coaches: Shawna Lynn, Nichole Smith, Miranda Deterline