Coaches provided this year’s team information. Capsules will be updated as information is provided.
WBL
Bath
Division: II
Coach: Mandy Green (second season)
2019 overall record: 5-13
2019 league record: 1-8 (tied for eighth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 to Liberty-Benton in sectional semifinals
Celina
Division: II
Coach: Angela Bourne (first season)
2019 overall record: 11-13
2019 league record: 6-3 (tied for third)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 27-25, 20-25, 18-25, 25-23, 15-12 to Toledo Central Catholic in sectional finals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Seniors-Maria Lutz (sr.), Rose McGohan (sr.), Sam Carlin (sr.), Chloe McNeilan (sr.), Emma Guggenbiller (sr.), Emily Schwieterman (jr.), Summer Wilson (jr.), Brooklyn Bourne (soph.), Amelia Lutz (soph.)
Promising newcomers: Sydnee Davis (jr.), Payton Bertke (soph.), Evie Holstad (soph.), Sarah Giesige (soph.), Allison Schwieterman (fr.)
Coach’s analysis: Lacking in height, we are working on defensive scrappiness. Working to build team chemistry. Our motto this season is “We before me!”
Elida
Division: II
Coach: Traci Sneary (sixth season)
2019 overall record: 12-10
2019 league record: 6-3 (tied for third)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-16, 25-22, 22-25, 25-17 to Shawnee in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners:
McKenzie Miller Sr., Evelyn Frueh Sr., Amira Freeman Sr., Hailey Little Sr., Lauren Engle Sr., Sarae Fisher Sr., Olivia Buddelmeyer Sr., Kylie Vorhees Jr., Cadence Miller Jr.,
Promising Newcomers: Lana Burtchin Jr.
Season Outlook: We graduated three seniors last year so we have a lot of returning starters from last season. We can be successfull if we continue to play as a team and keep building on our skills. We hope to be competitive again in the WBL.
Kenton
Division: II
Coach: Erick Grasley (second season)
2019 overall record: 3-17
2019 league record: 0-9 (10th)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-13, 25-17, 25-7 to Norwalk in sectional finals
Ottawa-Glandorf
Division: III
Coach: Amber Miller (second season)
2019 overall record: 25-3
2019 league record: 9-0 (first)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-19, 21-25, 25-14, 25-8 to Galion in regional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Maddie White, Saleigha Ellerbrock, Lexi Fortman, Erin Kaufman, Miya Ellerbrock
Promising newcomers: Hailey Settlemire, Madison Carillo, Mackenzie Tobe, Mia Verhoff, Ella Stauffer, Sydney Kleman, Chole Glenn, Reese Van Oss, Katie Kaufman
Coach’s analysis: I am excited that we are moving forward with the 2020 season, and I’m optimistic about playing a full schedule. The girls have worked very hard, and I hope that they will be given the opportunity to show what they can do.
Shawnee
Division: II
Coach: Angie Murphy (first season)
2019 overall record: 15-9
2019 league record: 5-4 (fifth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-12, 25-23, 25-16 to Maumee in sectional finals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Karrington Green, Paige Maxwell, Isabelle Murray, Mia Rosas, Josie Addis, Alanah Best, Kayla Bishop, Emily Manuel, Sophia Morris
Promising newcomers: Kelly Cooper, Grace Freiberger, Addison Maxwell
Coach’s analysis: I am very excited for this season with an amazing group of girls. I am incredibly optimistic and excited about the opportunities ahead for this year. We have five seniors that have done a tremendous job setting the right tone and building the best team foundation to give us an awesome place to start from this season. We have several underclassmen that will play an integral part on the team. I feel very confident in their motivation to really add to our team dynamic on and off the court. Our mindset this season is that every single day we walk into the gym presents an opportunity for us to get better. What is great about this group is they give 100 percent all of the time. So what we’re really excited about is not just setting goals, but focusing on improving ourselves every day. If we do that a lot of really great things are in store for this group this season, and it will be an incredibly fun process of which to be a part.
St. Marys
Division: II
Coach: Caley Yoder (first season)
2019 overall record: 9-15
2019 league record: 4-5 (tied for sixth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-16, 25-20, 26-24 to Bryan in sectional finals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Senior: Claire Bertke (sr.), Leah Walter (sr.), Abbie Young (sr.), Kelsey Poppe (sr.), Addison Lauth (soph.), Cora Rable (soph.)
Promising newcomer: Halle Houston (soph.)
Coach’s analysis: This summer the volleyball team has shown great strength in quick offense, aggressive serving and defensive skills. Our main focus as a team is to stay consistent and control the tempo of the game. With six returning letter winners and a skilled set of players joining the varsity squad we hope to be a competitive contender in both conference and non-conference play.
Van Wert
Division: II
Coach: Jeff Marbaugh
2019 overall record: 9-14
2019 league record: 1-8 (tied for eighth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-15, 21-25, 25-23, 16-25, 15-6 to St. Marys in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Jaylyn Rickard (sr.), Izzy Carr (sr.), Rylee Dunn (sr.), Mariana Ickes (jr.), Finley Foster (soph.)
Others on varsity roster: Sayler Wise (soph.), Maria Bagley (soph.), Carlee Young (jr.), Jordanne Blythe (fr.), Kayla Krites (jr.), Sydnee Savage (jr.), Makayla Stutz (jr.), Carly Rollins (sr.)
Coach’s analysis: We lost four seniors to graduation, including our leaders in kills, blocking and assists. We have five girls back that received a lot of court experience. These girls played important roles for our team last season so they understand the speed of varsity volleyball and can help our newcomers. I think we can be a pretty scrappy team this season. Also, we should be able to spread the ball out in our offense a bit more. Right now we are really trying to work on ball control more with our hitters, be more unpredictable. I believe we can be a really good serving team. We are working hard to improve each day. The league has some really good teams again this season. If you don’t come prepared to play well, you will get beat.
Wapakoneta
Division: I
Coach: Megan Hayzlett (first season)
2019 overall record: 14-10
2019 league record: 4-5 (tied for sixth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-12, 25-12, 25-12 to St. Ursula Academy in district semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Kaylei Barnett, Chloei Barnett, Kelsey Fullenkamp, Jaclyn Bertke
Promising newcomers: Kaleigh Palmer, Reyna Woodruff
Coach’s analysis: We have a senior class that is very experienced that we will look to provide leadership.
NWC
Ada
Division: IV
Coach: AJ Wahlie (first season)
2019 overall record: 3-13-1
2019 conference record: 2-6 (tied for seventh)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 26-24 to Arlington in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Timber Blankenship, Brenna Hissong, Lauren Mullins, Alaina Robirds, Hailey Robirds, Kylie Shafer, Carmella Thompson, Luci Wall
Promising newcomers: Olivia Green, Karmen Hall, Ella Marshall
Coach’s analysis: With two Seniors and nine Juniors, we will be a young team who will constantly be growing throughout the year. When postseason seeding comes out in October, the Lady Bulldogs record will turn more than a few heads.
Allen East
Division: III
Coach: Laura Basham
2019 overall record: 13-12
2019 conference record: 4-4 (tied for fourth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-20, 25-13, 25-10 to Millbury Lake in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Hannah Williams, Kristin Whitley, Alivia Craig, Emma Moritz, Madie Treglia, Elle Richardson
Promising newcomers: Savana Brooks, Soraya Jackson, Kenzie Koontz
Coach’s analysis: So thankful to be able to have a season and excited to see what this new group of girls will do.
Bluffton
Division: III
Coach: Kevin King (fifth season)
2019 overall record: 12-12
2019 conference record: 4-4 (tied for fourth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-16, 25-14, 25-21 to Marion Local in sectional finals
Columbus Grove
Division: IV
Coach: Adam Choi (fourth season)
2019 overall record: 12-12
2019 conference record: 5-3 (third) in NWC; 3-3 (fourth) in PCL
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-17, 25-4, 25-11 to Fort Recovery in sectional finals
Returning varsity letter winners: Alayna Ricker, Lauren Benroth, Sara Dipnarine, Megham Blankemeyer, Grace Selhorts, Kylie Shafer, Shay Schroeder
Promising newcomer: Jaylen Sautter
Season outlook: We have six seniors, four of which were starters last year. Girls have put a lot of work in to better last year’s .500 mark. We still have to overcome a height disadvantage, but we are developing strategies to beat taller blocks and jump into hitting lanes on defense. The girls want it. It will depend on our ability to stop point runs against us and finishing play without errors.
Crestview
Division: IV
Coach: Tammy Gregory
2019 overall record: 21-4
2019 conference record: 7-1 (second)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-19, 25-21, 25-22 to St. Henry in district semifinals
Delphos Jefferson
Division: III
Coach: Kristi Hageman (second season)
2019 overall record: 8-15
2019 conference record: 2-6 (tied for seventh)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-13, 25-14, 25-11 to Tinora in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Jenna Illig (sr.), Jessa Rostorfer, Delaney Deuel (sr.), Mallory Bridges (sr.), Brooke Brinkman (sr.), Sophia Pimpas (sr.), EmmaLee Riddell (sr.)
Promising newcomers: Jayda Rader, Josie McGue, Gwen Teman, Grace Bridges
Coach’s analysis: We are excited about this upcoming season. We lost some key positions to graduating seniors including two setters, but the underclassmen have stepped up and filled those spots very well. We have a great senior class with seven seniors who are providing great leadership in the gym. Our junior class is small but they are great all around athletes. The sophomore class has great numbers and are a strong athletic group. The upcoming freshman class has strong potential, and they have adapted great to the pace and work ethic that it takes to play high school volleyball. The girls have been working extremely hard in the gym, and we have seen great improvement over our shortened summer season. We have great potential and are so excited to get started.
Lincolnview
Division: IV
Coach: JaNahn Evans
2019 overall record: 20-3
2019 conference record: 8-0 (first)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-18, 27-25, 21-25, 26-24 to Lima Central Catholic in sectional finals
Paulding
Division: III
Coach: Sydney Collins (first season)
2019 overall record: 12-11
2019 conference record: 4-4 (tied for fourth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-16, 25-20, 25-18 to Patrick Henry in sectional finals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Claire Schweller (jr.), Jalynn Parrett (sr.), Baylee March (sr.), Maggie Manz (sr.), Janae Pease (jr.), Leigha Egnor (sr.), Gabbie Stallbaum (sr.), Sadie Estle (sr.), Kaeli Bustos (sr.)
Coach’s analysis: Luckily, our varsity team only lost one senior last season, so they didn’t have to adjust to any newcomers. These girls have had the opportunity to play together for a few years. Therefore, our team chemistry is very strong. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and really push each other out on the court. We are very skilled, especially in our offense. On this team we are very strong, aggressive and consistent with our hitting and serving. Paulding’s volleyball program is filled with amazing young ladies. I truly feel so lucky to get to coach this group of girls this year. With having a full returning varsity team, I feel confident that we will be a top contender in the NWC. This varsity team is not only very athletically gifted, but they also work so well together. They know the game and they are great teammates! When you have that combination on a team, you are set up for success. I definitely believe these girls will do great things this season and I cannot wait to get started.
Spencerville
Division: III
Coach: Amy Hoback (fourth season)
2019 overall record: 6-15
2019 conference record: 0-8 (ninth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-9, 25-11, 25-12 to Otsego in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Samara Norbeck, Lydia Falke, Sierra Baumgartner, Kirsten Voice, Claire Hoback
Coach’s analysis: We are a good defensive team. We commit to continue learning the game of volleyball. We need to keep working on our confidence level. With such a young team, it’s important to keep building confidence. We are trying to stay disciplined to continue to build our fundamentals, skills, and confidence in this young team. This is an amazing group of young people to work with. They are bonding as a team and are working hard. We will find success in many areas this season if we continue to work hard and remain disciplined.
NWCC
Hardin Northern
Division: IV
Coach: Kylee Hooker
2019 overall record: 11-11
2019 conference record: 5-3 (fourth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-7, 25-10, 25-11 to New Knoxville in sectional finals
Perry
Division: IV
Coach: Jodi Cartagena (second season)
2019 overall record: 5-19
2019 conference record: 3-5 (tied for fifth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-6, 25-5, 25-9 to Crestview in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Anabell Plaugher (sr.), Alyssa Klett (sr.), Makiah Denson (sr.), Emma Richards (jr.), Jaymee Gipson (jr.)
Promising newcomers: Rhema Pernell (soph.), Mary Hoersten (fr.), Lexenna Lee (fr.)
Coach’s analysis: We are very excited about this upcoming season. We have a strong group of letter winners coming back, so our potential and expectations are high. We also have a very athletic freshman class coming in. The girls have been working hard in the offseason, and we are excited to get the season started.
Ridgemont
Division: IV
Coach: Darcy Ruppright
2019 overall record: 4-13
2019 conference record: 2-6 (tied for seventh)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-19, 25-16, 25-18 to Kalida in sectional semifinals
Temple Christian
Division: IV
Coach: Tim Acklin (ninth season)
2019 overall record: 6-17
2019 conference record: 3-5 (tied for fifth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-5, 25-6, 25-7 to Parkway in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Jordyn Hayes, Audrey Powell, Lindsey Stump, Haley Walters, Emma White, Jessica Holloway, Kaylee Linhart, Cecelia Worsham
Coach’s analysis: For 2019 the Pioneers had no seniors and started three freshmen. For 2020 the Pioneers hope to build on last year’s experience and be more competive with less unforced errors.
Upper Scioto Valley
Division: IV
Coach: Juli Dearing
2019 overall record: 3-18
2019 conference record: 0-8 (ninth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-6, 25-7, 25-7 to Marion Local in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Allison Moore, Mackenzie Grener, Emma Hunsicker, Graci Spradlin, Caitlyn Cunningham, Kennedy Hall
Promising newcomers: Gracie Christianson, Cheyanne Wright, Neveah Lowery, Brielle Cotterman, Patience Cole, Amelia Hurley, Bailey Coate, Audree Miller
Coach’s analysis: We are looking to get more wins. Our seniors are great leaders and they are enthusiastic and positive. We have a lot of players back. The freshmen bring competitiveness and good knowledge of the game.
Waynesfield-Goshen
Division: IV
Coach: Kelly Searson (fifth season)
2019 overall record: 4-19
2019 conference record: 2-6 (tied for seventh)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-11, 25-11, 25-16 to Minster in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Maddie Flinn, Rylie Barrington, Peyton Spencer, Zoe Lambert
Promising newcomers: Sami Parker, Zaria DeLeon, Lily McGuire, Molly Zechman, Kyleigh Bigelow, Taylor Spencer, Kapri Wilson
Coach’s analysis: What we do well: Team hustle, serving, offense. We need to work on more accurate passing, team communication. I think we have a very promising group of young ladies who understand the value of being able to play. This season will look different, but we have made the adjustments to use these differences as a positive step forward.
PCL
Continental
Division: IV
Coach: Allison Schmidt (eighth season)
2019 overall record: 7-16
2019 league record: 0-6 (seventh)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 20-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-18, 15-8 to Wayne Trace in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Tygre Troyer, Madelyn Potts, Catelyn Etter, Annika Bowers
Promising newcomers: Delaney Bowers, Rhaegan Marshall, Olivia Logan
Coach’s season outlook: I am excited for this season because I believe that this will be a team that wlll get better and better everyday as we start to play. Also we should have a more powerful and aggressive offense that again will be exciting to watch progress from game to game.
Kalida
Division: IV
Coach: Mary Kortokrax (second season)
2019 overall record: 4-20
2019 league record: 2-4 (fifth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-13, 25-8, 25-15 to New Bremen in sectional finals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Grace Klausing (sr.), Katelyn Kahle (sr.), Carlee Recker (sr.), Emily Buss (sr.), Brooke Siefker (sr.), Brooke Vennekotter (jr.), Lydia Vorst (jr.), Amanda Unverferth (jr.), Brooke Erhart (soph.)
Promising newcomers: Ella Hoffman (soph.), Camille Hovest (soph.)
Coach’s analysis: With the experience we gained from last year’s season we are looking forward to taking the positive lessons learned and working harder to succeed this season.
Leipsic
Division: IV
Coach: Brent Newell (seventh season)
2019 overall record: 22-3
2019 league record: 6-0 (first) in PCL; 9-1 (second) in BVC
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-19, 20-25, 16-25, 25-18, 18-16 to Miller City in district finals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Liz Schekelhoff, Peyton Heitmeyer, Kasey Brough, Marisa Hermiller, McKenna Nunez, Jocie Hermiller.
Promising newcomers: Serenity Siefer, Caitlen Flick, Ava Henry, Alaina Brown, Reese Dulle, Aliya Pardo
Coach’s analysis: The Vikings return several veteran hitters, however, they lack experienced setters.
Miller City
Division: IV
Coach: Kari Wenzinger (third season)
2019 overall record: 22-4
2019 league record: 5-1 (second)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-15, 25-15, 25-15 to Tiffin Calvert in regional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Adi Niese, Abi Lammers, Tessa Oedy, Adrienne Kuhlman, Abi Teders, Kiana Gable,
Lexi Banks
Promising newcomer: Maddie Otto
Coach’s analysis: We have a lot of experience coming back. Our hitters and blockers have worked very hard this season to fill positions we lost to graduation. We lost our middles and libero to graduation. We are working on adjusting to a new libero and middle blockers. We hope to win the league and to have a winning season.
Ottoville
Division: IV
Coach: Melany Kohls (second season)
2019 overall record: 5-17
2019 league record: 1-5 (sixth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-18, 25-13, 25-11 to Lima Central Catholic in sectional semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Sydney Brinkman, Alayna Leis, Tara Heitmeyer, Heaven Ross, Rachel Kemper, Elise Kramer
Promising newcomers: Carli Martz, Grace Gamble, Emily Moorman, Beth Moorman, Claire Knotts
Coach’s analysis: We have a group of girls that bonds well this year. We have a strong offense and a growing defense. Communication is key for us. We need to continue to build the team bond, as well as communication throughout play. This group of girls has come together and grown in the short time that we’ve had them this summer. We look to be a contender this year, in all games, as well as competitive within our league.
Pandora-Gilboa
Division: IV
Coach: Ron Simons (third season)
2019 overall record: 12-11
2019 league record: 4-2 (third) in PCL; 5-5 (fifth) in BVC
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 to Bluffton in sectional semifinals
MAC
Coldwater
Division: III
Coach: Nikki Etzler
2019 overall record: 20-6
2019 conference record: 6-3 (tied for third)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 29-31, 25-9, 25-15, 25-16 to Liberty-Benton in district finals
Delphos St. John’s
Division: IV
Coach: Ashley Reynolds (second season)
2019 overall record: 3-19
2019 conference record: 0-9 (1oth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-22, 25-11, 25-20 to Columbus Grove in opening round.
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Erika Moenter Sr., Abby Buettner Sr., Melanie Koenig Sr., Brianna Altenburger Sr., Allie Kramer Sr., Halle Elwer Jr.
Promising newcomers: Mia Conley Soph., Tori Stemen Soph., Cami Muhlenkamp Soph.,
Coache’s season outlook: We have high hopes for this year. This is a special group with having five seniors, I’m hoping they can go out with their best season. We have made a few changes to the lineup and with that comes the need to get the girls comfortable in their new role. They have already shown they are ready to put in the work. We are just happy and excited to get the season started.
Fort Recovery
Division: IV
Coach: Travis Guggenbiller
2019 overall record: 19-6
2019 conference record: 6-3 (tied for third)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-21, 21-25, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11 to Fort Recovery in district finals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Kierra Wendel (sr.), Marissa Gaerke (jr.), Audra Bubp (soph.), Emma Kahlig (jr.), Madelyn Knapke (jr.), Lilie Leuthold (jr.), Teigen Fortkamp (fr.), Mara Pearson (fr.), Grace Klingshirn (soph.), Paige Fortkamp (sr.), Allysen Fullenkamp (soph.), Aubrey Knapke (jr.), Grace Guggenbiller (jr.), Faith Wendel (soph.), Brooklyn Jutte (soph.), Whitley Rammel (jr.), Hope Wendel (sr.)
Coach’s analysis: This year we have three seniors, Hope Wendel (setter), Kierra Wendel (libero) and Paige Fortkamp (outside hitter) to lead the Lady Indians. All three athletes are returning from last year’s varsity team that went 19-6. We also have two returning juniors from last year’s varsity team Marissa Gaerke (outside hitter) and Whitley Rammel (middle hitter). We expect both of them to play a major role in our line-up as well. On top of those two juniors, we have Grace Guggenbiller (middle hitter), Lilie Leuthold (right side) Emma Kahlig (setter/right side), twin sisters Madelyn and Aubrey Knapke (defensive specialist) and freshman Mara Pearson (right side) to help the Lady Indians improve from last year’s success. All athletes have been working hard this year with the goal of getting better each and every day. The ladies have some big goals this year, and they understand that nothing will be given to them. In order for them to achieve their goals they’re going to have to work for it and that’s exactly what they are doing.
Marion Local
Division: IV
Coach: Anthony Chappel (second season)
2019 overall record: 13-13
2019 conference record: 5-4 (sixth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-20, 25-14, 19-25, 25-22 to New Bremen in district finals
Returning players: Alana Pohlman (sr.), Abby Bruns (sr.), Kinsey Thobe (sr.), Heidi Rethman (sr.), Lydia Griesdorn (sr.), Olivia Winner (jr.), Molly Winner (jr.), Nicole Franck (soph.)
Additional varsity: Ashlyn Bohman (jr.), Lynn Schwieterman (jr.), Lindsey Koenig (soph.), Reagan Kremer (soph.)
Coach’s analysis: We return a lot of players this year are grateful to be having a season. There’s been a good vibe in the gym all summer. The girls have taken a professional tone in handling all of the new requirements and recommendations and have made it easy on the coaching staff. They want to play and reflect that in their actions. We finished .500 on the season and came up short against eventual state champ New Bremen in the tournament last year. Girls have a chip on their shoulder, so the seniors are ready to lead and the young ones add a fearlessness. We play in the toughest conference in the state and only added top non conference games, giving us the toughest schedule last year in Division IV. We return a lot of key players, and our goal is always to win the MAC and win state. These girls only know how to aim high, and it’s fun to coach them.
Minster
Division: IV
Coach: Cami Garman
2019 overall record: 15-9
2019 conference record: 3-5 (seventh)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 26-24, 25-16, 25-21 to New Bremen in district semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Ava Sharp, Brynn Oldiges, Ivy Wolf, Ella Mescher, Dana Prenger, Kyra Oldiges
Promising newcomers: Alyssa Niemeyer, Jayden Clune
Coach’s analysis: What we do well: Ball control, serve aggressively. We need to work on blocking and persistent defense. Our theme this year is “we don’t have to do great big things, but small things great.” This is exactly how we are tackling the upcoming season. Everyday we are coming into the gym working on the small fundamentals and focusing on our strength and conditioning. We bring back a very athletic group from last year’s line up. Our focus is to be as fundamentally sound as possible so that our athleticism doesn’t go wasted. Because of injuries during last season we return a lot of players that earned substantial experience from 2019. We bring back great ball control with the return of Ava Sharp and Ivy Wolf and adding to that Alyssa Niemeyer and Ava Grieshop. Our newest position will be Jayden Clune who looks to take over the setting duties and to lead the offense. Jayden has taken great pride in working on finding rhythm with her hitters. We are fortunate enough to have a lot of height in Brynn, Ella, Kyra and Dana so being aggressive and smart offensively and defensively at the net is going to be vital. We have already gotten to preview each other fortunately through competition these last few weeks and it doesn’t look like the MAC is going to be any different this year than it has in the years past. New Bremen and Fort Recovery return many of their key players from last year so they are the ones, I think, with the biggest targets on their backs. But you can’t count anyone else out, every other school in the conference has girls coming up eager to fill in those open roles and contribute. Each year we continue to battle with the best in the state. We know that they aren’t wasting any time in improving their game so we can’t either. The girls come into the gym hungry and ready to compete everyday.
New Bremen
Division: IV
Coach: Diana Kramer (fifth season)
2019 overall record: 28-1
2019 conference record: 8-1 (tied for first)
2019 postseason finish: Defeated Fort Loramie 28-26, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20 to win state championship
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Claire Pape, Josie Reinhart, Josie Reinhart, Diana Heitkamp, Elli Roetgerman, Kaylee Freund.
Key newcomers: Mia Schmitmeyer, Olivia Heitkamp, Chloe Bornhorst, Gabi Heckman
Coach’s analysis: We are very athletic and have multiple players that can play multiple positions. While we graduated some key players, the expectations remain the same. We want to win our last game of the season. My team is working so hard right now and is ready to compete. Every MAC team this year is going to be really solid.
New Knoxville
Division: IV
Coach: Meg Reineke (first season)
2019 overall record: 17-7
2019 conference record: 6-3 (tied for third)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 26-24, 25-17, 15-25, 25-18 to Marion Local in district semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Morgan Leffel, Gretchen Dwenger, Ellie Gabel, Haleu Fledderjoahn, Carsyn Henschen
Promising newcomers: Avery Henschen, Melisa Waterman, Erica Weadock
Coach’s analysis: I would love to see my team win the MAC, and I am hopeful for a solid tournament run.
Parkway
Division: III
Coach: Jordan Henkle
2019 overall record: 9-15
2019 conference record: 1-8 (ninth)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 22-25, 25-13, 25-22, 25-18 to Crestview in sectional finals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Macy Johnson, Gracyn Temple, Faith Jacobs, McKayla Sites
Promising newcomers: Gabrielle Stober, Allison Hughes, Emiree Knittle, Kelsey Nichols, Claire Rutledge, Dani Huff
Coach’s analysis: What we do well: Defense, serving, hustle. We need to work on attacking, blocking. Looking forward to getting the 2020 season underway, lots of new young faces on varsity that are showing a lot of promise and competitiveness. Looking to improve each time we step on the floor.
St. Henry
Division: IV
Coach: Tricia Rosenbeck
2019 overall record: 23-3
2019 conference record: 8-1 (tied for first)
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-19, 25-21, 25-20 to New Bremen in regional semifinals
Others
Cory-Rawson
Division: IV
Coach: 6-17
2019 overall record:
2019 conference record: 2-8 (ninth) in BVC
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 to Hardin Northern in the opening round
Lima Central Catholic
Division: IV
Coach: Ron Coleman (first season as LCC head coach)
2019 overall record: 19-6
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-15, 25-10, 25-18 to Fort Recovery in district semifinals
Returning 2019 varsity letter winners: Kennedy Parker (sr.), Zoey Foster (sr.), Jacqueline Cutlip (sr.), Abby Watkins (sr.), Jaylen Roehm (jr.)
Promising newcomers: Grace Hutgens (jr.), Emma Frueh (jr.), MionChei Thomas (jr.)
Coach’s analysis: This is a talented team with years of club and high school seasons. We will be competitive and hard working at winning with our veteran players.
Lima Senior
Division: I
Coach: Jazmine Thomas
2019 conference record: 0-7 (eighth) in TRAC
2019 postseason finish: Lost 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 to Bowling Green in sectional semifinals
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
