NOTE: Information for volleyball capsules was supplied by area coaches. Any information not appearing was not supplied.
ADA
COACH: Melissa Gossard
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: N/A
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 18-5 overall, 6-2 NWC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Melina Woods (Soph., MH/RH); Megan Simon (Sr., L); Carlee Marshall (Sr., MH); Rachel Wildman (Sr., OH); Morgan Sutton (Sr., S); Claire Toland (Sr., DS).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Ashley Summer (Sr., OH); Katey Stuart (Sr., OH); Haley Wyss (Jr., OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Bulldogs return an experienced team following last year’s strong run and second-place finish in the NWC. A key injury last year hurt the team late in the season, so Ada is plenty motivated heading into this campaign.
ALLEN EAST
COACH: Dave Haberman
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Third year, 12-29
DIVISION: III
2014 RECORD: 3-17 overall
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kyra Clark, Caitlin Shuey, Kelli Leis, Morgan Niemeyer, Courtney Harris, Madison Jacobs, Adriene Hensley.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Taylor Brown, Abby Kennedy, Sydny Rex, Spencer Stippich, Savannah Howard.
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Mustangs enter the season with more height and are much improved on both offense and defense. According to Haberman, the team has a fantastic attitude is looking to improve on its overall and NWC record.
BATH
COACH: Mandy Green
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Third year, 18-25
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 8-14, sixth in WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Megan Boedicker (Sr., OH); Aejha Curtis (Sr., OH); Kylee Snoke (Sr., MH); Abby Cosart (Jr., S); Kennedy Metcalf (Jr., MH); Amanda Parks (Jr., DS).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Bailey Dackin (Jr., OH); Riley Iiams (Fr., DS); Caitlyn Renner (Fr., DS/S).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Bath has tremendous team chemistry, which is something the team has worked hard to develop. According to Green, her team has worked very hard during the summer and preseason and she believes it will payoff this season.
BLUFFTON
COACH: Kevin King
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Second year, 8-14
DIVISION: III
2014 RECORD: 8-13 overall, 5-13 NWC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Sami Fruchey (Sr., MH); Andie Schmutz (Jr., MH); Haley Baker (Jr., OH); Emily Metzger (Jr., OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: N/A
TEAM OVERVIEW: Schmutz earned second team NWC honors a year ago and will be key to helping the team regroup after losing strong leadership the past two seasons. King is working to develop new styles on offense and defense. Young players will have to fill key roles and the team will focus on strategy and fundamentals to overcome lack of experience.
CELINA
COACH: Amy Sutter
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Three years, 40-35
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 10-14 overall, 6-3 WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Cami Dzendzel (Sr., OH); Trish Dennis (Sr., MH); Maddie Mertz (Sr., RS/OH); Brianna Schulte (Sr., DS); Logan Boley (Jr., DS/S); Alyssa Hoying (Jr., MH); Cora Lutz (Jr., OH); Paige Sutter (Jr., S/RS).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Carly Post (Jr., DS/S); Hailey Langenkamp (Jr., DS); Shelby Prenger (Jr., OH/DS); Hannah Rasawehr (Soph., MH/RS).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Sutter is a smart setter who leads a balanced, quick offense with strong play at the net. Though Celina graduated three players, it returns five starters to key spots. With the returning experience, Sutter is plenty excited for the season.
COLUMBUS GROVE
COACH: Susan Jones
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Third year
DIVISION: III
2014 RECORD: 17-6 overall, 7-1 Co-NWC Champs; 5-1 PCL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Mackenzie Clymer (Sr., OH); Carlee McCluer (Soph., OH/DS); Jade Clement, (Jr., S); Mandy Vorhees (Sr., M); Mikayla Roman (Sr., ROH); Robyn Schumacher (Sr., L).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Paige Bellman (Soph., M); Rylee Sybert (Fr., S); Lauren Birkemeier (Soph., OH/DS).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Bulldogs enter the season with a strong offense but are working to improve defense. Grove is the two-time defending NWC champion and will be working hard to grab the PCL title. Overall, it’s a solid team once again with big goals.
CONTINENTAL
COACH: Allison Streicher
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Second year, 1-21
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 1-21 overall, 1-5 PCL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Lexi Doster (Sr., S/OH); Ashley Kindilen (Sr., MH); Lindsay Kindilen (Sr., OH); Kayla Troyer (Sr., L); Alivia Homier (Jr., OH); Leah Baker (Soph., MH); Sydney Eickholt (Soph., S); Amber Logan (Soph., OH); Hannah Troyer (Soph., OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Jessica Stauffer (Fr., S); Breanne Eickholt (Fr., OH), Amber Hale (Soph., MH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The team is working hard and playing scrappy defense, but this young team needs to gain experience and get stronger at hitting.
CRESTVIEW
COACH: Tammy Gregory
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 10th year, 157-63
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 21-3 overall, 7-1 co-NWC champs
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brady Guest (Sr.); Haley Helm (Sr.); Tianna Rager (Sr.); Claire Zaleski (Sr.).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Katie McClure (Jr.); Maci Baker (Jr.); Sydney Bowen (Jr.).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Gregory has a very solid group of players who are working well together. The team will need to overcome some graduation losses on the offensive end, however, the Knights enter the season with experience and a tradition of success.
DEFIANCE
COACH: Danielle Fuhrmann/Brooke Shindler
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: N/A
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 13-9 overall, 5-4 WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Maddie Naton (Sr., S/MH); Ashley Hubbard (Sr., L); Megan Williams (Sr., OH); Morgan Porter (Jr., MB); Lauren Howard (Jr., OH); Alexandra Stambaugh (Jr., S); Megan Meyer (Sr., DS); Lauren Klausing (Sr., OH); Samantha Stambaugh (Jr., DS).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sydney Roehrig (Soph., OH); Alexis Kiessling (Soph.; OH/DS).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Defiance returns plenty of experience and good leadership. Playing scrappy defense is the team’s strength and it’s moving players around to new positions to change up the offense.
DELPHOS JEFFERSON
COACH: Sherrie Stewart
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
DIVISION: III
2014 RECORD: 5-18 overall, 1-7 NWC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Claire Thompson (Sr., OH); Danielle Harman (Jr., MH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Macy Wallace (Soph., OH); Sarah Miller (Soph., MH); Devyn Carder (Soph., S); Kristy Claypool (Soph., L)
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Wildcats have only one senior but overall this young team has many years of experience in the sport.
DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S
COACH: Carolyn Dammeyer
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Third year, 16-31 at DSJ (299-138 lifetime varsity coaching record)
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 10-14 overall
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Maddie Buettner (Sr.); Olivia Kahny (Sr.); Maddie Pohlman (Sr.); Jessica Geise (Jr.); Maya Gerker (Jr.); Ally Gerberick (Jr.); Maddie Ellis (Soph.); Ellie Csukker (Soph.); Kennedy Clarkson (Soph.).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Jana Hamilton (Jr.); Allie Buettner (Soph.).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Blue Jays are very experienced this season and have worked in the preseason and improved on both defense and ball control. The team has been very competitive in preseason, according to Dammeyer.
ELIDA
COACH: Traci Sneary
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Second year, 8-15
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 8-15 overall, eighth in WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Summer Grogg (Sr., MH); Karmyn Martinez (Sr., L); Taylor Creps (Sr., OH); Erin Bowman (Sr., S); Emily Bowman (Sr., DS); Megan Tracy (Sr., OH/MH); Mallory Etzler (Jr., OH); Rachael Davisson (Jr., OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Rebecca Tschuor (Jr. MH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: A big group of returning letterwinners and seniors, along with another year under Sneary’s guidance give the Bulldogs reason for optimism. That experience should help Elida contend with a tough WBL schedule.
HARDIN NORTHERN
COACH: Erika Uitto
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Second year, 10-14
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 10-14 overall, 4-3 NWCC, 4-8 BVC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ashton Stevenson (Sr., S); Alanna Roth (Sr., DS); Kaylee Marling (Sr., DS); Holly Wilson (Jr., MH); Anna Koehler (Jr., RH/MH); Shelby Alloway (Soph., OH/DS); Cassidy Deckling (Soph., OH/DS).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Rylie Bame (Fr., MH); Madison Robson (Soph., S).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Uitto’s team is focused on being smart but aggressive. The Polar Bears are working to improve on-court leadership and team communication.
KALIDA
COACH: Kristen Stechschulte
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Third year, 22-23
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 12-11 overall, 3-3 PCL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kylie Osterhage (Sr., OH); Carlee Miller (Jr., OH); Alli Recker (Sr., MH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sarah Klausing (Soph., MH/S), Tara Gerding (Fr., S), Sam Langhals (Jr., MH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Coach Stechchulte is encouraged by what she’s seen from her team, which isn’t deep but does return a solid crew of letterwinners working hard to show the younger players how to be successful.
KENTON
COACH: Morgan Rogers
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Two years, 3-20
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 3-20 overall, 0-9 WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Delaney Dearing (Sr., DS).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Lauren Johnson (Soph., S); Layne Taylor (Soph., MH); Haylee Bushong (Soph., L); Alexis Brooks (Fr., S).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Wildcats are faced with a rebuilding season but have a bright future. Rogers believes her young team is willing to do what it takes to get the program on a better path.
LEIPSIC
COACH: Brent Newell
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Second year, 21-4
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 21-4 overall, 6-0 PCL, 10-2 BVC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Brooke Gerdeman (Jr., MH); Lindsey Rieman (Jr., RS); Mindy Ellerbrock (Jr., DS); Brooke Heitmeyer (Sr., MH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Raegan Cupp (Jr., DS); Justine Schroeder (Sr., S); Kierra Meyer (Soph., OH); Libby Quintero (Jr., S); Haylee Heitmeyer (Fr., OH); Tessa Haselman (Jr., OH); Alyssa Schroeder (Sr., RS); Abby Whaley (Sr., OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Vikings lost some very strong players to graduation, including All-Ohioan Kelly Nadler. However, Gerdeman and Heitmeyer return as very strong leaders for a team looking to defend its PCL crown.
LIMA CENTRAL CATHOLIC
COACH: Wes Horstman
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Seventh year, 102-38
DIVISION: IV
2013 RECORD: 13-11
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Abby Tabler; Gabby O’Dowd; Natalie Snider; Lauren Dardio; Halley Moore; Ava Nieman.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Ellen Dee; Ella Delamotte; Shannon Daley; Aerica Bennett; Mornay McBroom; Katie Eisele.
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Thunderbirds have a lot of new faces on the varsity, according to Horstman. Mixing the experience with younger players will be crucial.
LIMA SENIOR
COACH: David Orr
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Second year, 8-16
DIVISION: I
2014 RECORD: 8-16 overall, eighth in TRAC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ragan Williams (Sr., S); Na’Omi Curtis (Sr., OH); Samantha Cousey (Jr., OH); Kierre James (Jr., L); Maleehah Robertson (Jr., M/RH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Arianne Rufus (Sr., MH); Jurnie Phillips (Soph., MH); Ayanna Long (Jr., DS); Allazai Rose (Soph., OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Spartans are working on digging and transition but have been strong on defense and hitting from the middle and outsides. Lima Senior is very talented and experienced, but needs to stay consistent.
LINCOLNVIEW
COACH: JaNahn Evans
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Second year, 1013
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 10-13 overall, 5-3 NWC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Ashton Bowersock (Sr.); Elizabeth Lammers (Sr.); Katlyn Wendel (Jr.); Alana Williams (Soph.).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Kayla Schimmoeller (Soph.); Makenna Klausing (Soph.); Lakin Brant (Fr.); Carly Wendel (Fr.); Morgan Miller (Fr.)
TEAM OVERVIEW: Bowersock, Lammmers and Wendel give the Lancers great leadership and Evans expects Lincolnview to improve each practice and match. Lincolnview is a versatile team that plays well together, which includes running and executing smart offenses and defenses. The Lancers are young, smart and full of team players.
MARION LOCAL
COACH: Erica Fullenkamp
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 13-11 overall, 5-4 MAC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Hailey Mescher (Sr., DS); Jessie Kramer (Jr., DS/OH); Tyla Bergman (Sr., S); Makenzie Albers (Sr., OH); Chloe Bertke (Jr., MB); Emily Mescher (Sr., MB); Andrea Wonk (Sr., RH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Morgan Heckman (Jr., MB/RH); Maddie Griesdorn (Jr., S); Caitlin Hess (Jr., DS/OH); Adaline Mescher (Jr., MB/RH); Kylie Albers (Soph., OH); Carrie Fesenmyer (Fr. DS/OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: With five seniors, a very experienced roster and a deep bench, the Flyers are primed for another successful campaign. Defensively, they’re quick and scrappy and offensively they’re balanced with strong hitters in every position.
MILLER CITY
COACH: Krissy Phillips
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 3-20 overall, 0-6 PCL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kristin Schmenk (Sr., MH); Skylar Niese (Jr., OH); Makenna Ricker (Jr., OH); Taylor Roth (Jr., OH/RS); Claire Westrick (Jr., MH/RS); Abbey Schroeder (Soph, L).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Meggan Meyer (Soph., MH); Alaina Niese (Soph., MH/RS); Elena Niese (Soph., OH); Nicole Warnimont (Soph., DS/S); Paige Wenzinger (Soph., DS); Kylie Berner (Fr.); Brittany Kuhlman (Fr., S).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Wildcats look to improve with six letterwinners leading the way and a giant crew of young prospects looking to boost the program.
MINSTER
COACH: Cami Garman
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Five years, 52-43
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 17-9 overall, 3-6 MAC
RETURNING STARTERS: LeAnn Huelsman (Sr., DS); Jordyn Heitbrink (Jr., OH); Hannah Schmitmeyer (Sr., MB/OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Hayley Baumer (Jr., S/OH); Katie Wuebker (Sr., S/OH); Paige Thobe (Soph., MB); Carly Barhorst (Jr., MB); Rosie Westerbeck (Jr., OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: A district champion a year ago, Minster features good team chemistry and a multi-faceted, aggressive offense.
NEW BREMEN
COACH: Theresa Jenkins
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: N/A
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 10-9 overall, 5-4 MAC
ROSTER: Paige Jones (Soph., OH/DS); Kaitlyn Ahrns (Sr., MB/DS); Devon Heitkamp (Sr., MB); Kaitlyn Schwieterman (Jr., S); Alyse Clune (Sr., OH/DS); Madison Pape (Fr., S); Logan Wells (Jr., RS); Kennedy Hoying (Jr., DS); Taylor Powers (Jr., OH/RS); Ali Howell (Sr., L).
NEW KNOXVILLE
COACH: Kay Webb
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 15-9 overall, 4-4 MAC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Madison Lammers (Sr., OH); Rachel Leffel (Sr., RH); Abby Lageman (Sr., L); Serena Hostetter (Sr., DS); Kenzie Schroer (Jr., S); Jenna Schwieterman (Jr., MH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Shayna Bierlein (Jr., OH); Ashlyn Miller (Jr., DS); Caitlin Lammers (Soph., MH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Rangers have a scrappy defense and serve well but will need to improve on overall passing. Tons of experience gives coach Webb reason to believe her team can compete at a high level as New Knoxville pushes to claim a MAC title.
OTTAWA-GLANDORF
COACH: Ann Ellerbrock
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 14 years, 250-68
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 18-4 overall, 9-0 WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Olivia Hermiller; Lauren Buddelmeyer; Jenna Warnimont; Jordan Alt; Kylie White; Emily Annesser; Carly Alt.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sydney Heitmeyer; Karlie Bellman; Brooke Kleman; Alexa Schroeder.
TEAM OVERVIEW: Once again, the Titans should be very competitive. O-G has a balanced attack in the front row and has been serving very well. The team is still working on communication. Also, the Titans will face many new teams in the tournament with the bump up to Division II.
OTTOVILLE
COACH: Andi Wertenberger.
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: N/A
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 10-12 overall
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Nicole Kramer (Sr., OH); Lexie Thorbahn (Jr., S); CJ Kemper (Soph., OH/MH); Bridget Landin (Soph., MH); Madi Knodell (Jr., OH); Emily Landin (Soph., OH/DS); Bethany Maag (Soph., libero).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Brynlee Hanneman (Fr., MH); Quinley Schlagbaum (Fr., OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Ottoville returns five starters, including two juniors and two sophomores, along with six underclass letterwinners returning to the fold.
PANDORA-GILBOA
COACH: Kelly Schnipke
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: N/A
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 15-16 overall
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kayla Rieman (Sr., S); Mikaylie Morman (Sr., OH); Serena Maag (Sr., OH); Shana Hovest (Sr., L); Alexa Maag (Jr., MH); Brittany Hovest (Jr., OH); Paige Fenstermaker (Soph., MH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Presley Hovest (Jr., OH); Korri Basinger (Jr., DS); Madison Bockrath (Jr., S).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Rieman returns as a solid setter and she’ll have strong hitters at her disposal. Good senior leadership should help P-G develop younger players and consistent play as the team hopes to be competitive in the BVC and PCL.
PAULDING
COACH: Josh Early
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
DIVISION: III
2014 RECORD: 4-16 overall, 2-6 NWC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Jaycie Varner, Audrey Manz, Taylor March, Kristen Schilt, Faith Vogel, Sam Meggison, Cassidy Posey.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Kelsey Beck.
TEAM OVERVIEW: With a new coach, the Panthers look to build the program with a group of players hungry for success. The team is strong in the front row, very athletic and consistent in serving. However, it lacks overall experience playing in close sets.
PERRY
COACH: Gina Shively
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 10th year
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 3-19 overall, eighth in NWCC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Hannah Blankenship (Sr., L); Kaitlyn Cox (Sr., OH); Brittany Nutt (Sr., DS/Back); Lexus Baker (Jr., MH); Kylyn Collins (Jr., S); Edan Godfrey (Jr., S/DS); Alivia Turman (Jr., MH); Kaylynne Trent (Soph., OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Deasia Armstead (Sr., Back/DS); Sara Green (Jr., OH); Emily Prinsen (Soph., MH); Dakota Scarberry (Soph., S); Deyazia Denson (Fr., OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Commodores are quick, great at seeing the court and aggressive serving. Blocking, running a quick offense and communication are where the team is focusing on improving. With only one senior lost, Perry returns 10 letterwinners and six starters who are working hard in all areas of the game get stronger and have a more successful season.
SHAWNEE
COACH: Amy Knight
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Six years
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 11-13 overall, 4-5 WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Alyssa Miller (Sr., MH); Olivia Brock (Jr., S); Elise Hastings (Jr., MH); Alli Fercht (Sr., DS); Aubree Mowery (Sr., DS); Makayla Donley (Jr., OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Aurora Knight (Jr., OH); Hailey Manuel (Soph., OH); Emily Allen (Soph., S); Jaden Addis (Soph., DS); Rhiannon Knight (Soph., RH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Shawnee is a bit inexperienced after graduating six seniors. However, the squad is a great hitting and blocking team with high goals.
SPENCERVILLE
COACH: Tom Wegesin
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year back; previously was the head coach from 2004-08.
DIVISION: III
2014 RECORD: 6-17 overall, 1-7 NWC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Allison Adams (Jr., OH); Olivia Clark (Jr., OH)); Tiffany Work (Jr., OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Abbygayle Satterfield (Fr., OH); Grace Bowling (Fr., back/S); Jenson Nagy (Fr., OH); Emily Zac (Fr., back); Alexandria Carter (Fr., MH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: With no seniors and Wegesin returning to the helm, the team is in rebuilding mode. However, there is plenty of promise, especially in the underclasses, and Spencerville is working hard to finish in the middle of the NWC pack and improve on that next season.
ST. HENRY
COACH: Diana Kramer
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Five years, 107-22
DIVISION: III
2014 RECORD: 20-5 overall, 7-2 MAC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Madison Broering (Sr., S); Ellie Stammen (Sr., MH); Savannah Wourms (Sr., MH); Claudia Heitkamp (Soph., OH); Katie Gerlach (Sr.); Katherine Davis (Sr.); Olivia Kunkler (Sr.); Cara Brockman (Sr.); Olivia Niekamp (Jr.).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Brittany Siefring (Soph.).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Redskins are loaded with seniors and returning letterwinners this year but did graduate some key role players. Though the team has high expectations, it is working on defense and helping some players adjust to new positions.
ST. MARYS
COACH: Monica VanderHorst
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: 28 years, 256-113
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 15-7 overall, 8-1 WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Natalie Kuenning (Sr., S/D/H); Erika Angstmann (Sr., OH/D); Ally Angstmann (Jr., OH/D); Cortney Voisard (Sr., MH); Quincy Rable (Jr., OH/D/S); Shania Taylor (Jr., OH/D).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Allie Ernst (Jr., D); Abbie Chorvas (Soph., D); Taryn Swander (Jr., MH); Maddi Howell (Soph., MH/D/S).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Kuenning is a sharp setter and leads an experienced group looking to reach the top of the WBL standings. The Roughriders are using a new defense this year, which means new positions, new roles and working hard to make it run smoothly.
TEMPLE CHRISTIAN
COACH: Tim Acklin
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Three years, 37-33
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 8-15 overall, sixth NWCC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Rachael Acklin (Sr., OH); Abigail Durst (Jr., MH); Sydney Rex (Jr., L); Kaitlyn Sutton (Jr., S); Brittany Swartz (Soph., S).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Merridythe Hunsicker (Sr., OH); Madison Yingst (Jr., MH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Acklin believes the key to the season will be staying healthy. Also, with several inexperienced players new to the varsity level, it should be a good year for development.
UPPER SCIOTO VALLEY
COACH: Ben Kretz
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First Year
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 10-12 overall
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Maddie Lowery (Sr., S); Torey Thacker (Sr., OH); Audrey Puckett (Sr., DS); Kayla Broseke (Sr., DS); Emily Patton (Jr., S/OH); Alyssa Miller (Jr., MH); Callie Daniels (Soph., OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Payton Sanders (Sr., MH); Crystal Brown (Sr., OH); Shelby Spradlin (Jr., MH); Kylie Hites (Jr., OH); Tayler Lawrence (Jr., DS).
TEAM OVERVIEW: According to Kretz, USV has put in the extra hours honing skills and the offensive attack is strong and versatile. Defensive rotation and blocking are two spots the team is working to improve. But with many returning seniors and letterwinners who exhibit a strong work ethic, the Rams have reason for optimism.
VAN WERT
COACH: Matt Krites
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
DIVISION: II
2014 RECORD: 15-9 overall, 5-4 WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Karli Turnwald (Sr., DS); Landrie Koontz (Sr., OH); Peyton Fleming (Jr., MH); Megan Spray (Jr., S); Emma Kohn (Jr., OH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Ella Butler (Jr., MH); Domonique Grothouse (Sr., S); Cassidy Sinning (Jr., DS/OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: According to Krites, the Cougars are committed to hard work and improving. Van Wert has strong team chemistry and is working hard to get quicker and play better defense. Van Wert returns four starters but injuries plagued the team a year ago.
WAPAKONETA
COACH: Brittany Egbert
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: Second year, 10-14
DIVISION: I
2014 RECORD: 10-14 overall, 4-5 WBL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Faith Hensley (Sr., S); Kasey Helmstetter (Sr., MH); Jadyn Nuss (Sr., OH); Addy Gray (Sr., OH); Kiersten Wilcox (Sr., OH); Emma Miller (Jr., DS); Brianna Lambert (Sr., DS).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Sara Pothast (Soph., MB).
TEAM OVERVIEW: Hensley is a smart setter and she’s surrounded by strong hitters. However, defense and serve receive is an area the team is working to improve. The talent is there, according to Egbert, it’s just a matter of playing as a team.
WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN
COACH: Traci Barrington
YEARS, RECORD AT SCHOOL: First year
DIVISION: IV
2014 RECORD: 5-17 overall, 3-4 NWCC
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Bailie Barrington (Jr., S); Lynsey Lowe (Soph., MH).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Madison Buffenbarger (Soph., DS/RH); Aubrey Biederman (Soph., MH); Madison Agnew (Jr., DS); Cydney Roberts (Soph., DS/OH); Halie Gilroy (Jr., DS); Alex Andrews (Sr., DS); Emily Deffenbaugh (Sr., OH); Emily Walters (Jr., DS); Lindsay Coder (Jr., DS); Julia Millirans (Jr., OH).
TEAM OVERVIEW: The Tigers are athletic, have good attitudes and are very focused on improving, according to Barrington. The seniors and juniors have shown great leadership while the young players continue to grow. Overall, W-G opens the season with plenty to be optimistic about.
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