While Highland’s volleyball team finished with a 22-3 record last year, they didn’t advance through districts to regionals after two straight regional final appearances.

However, with seven letter-winners returning, head coach Rob Terrill is hoping his squad is able to get back to that level. Senior Ashton Terrill was a third-team All-Ohioan, as well as the Central District and Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Senior Taylor Belcher was a second team pick by both the MOAC and district, while another senior, Kelsey Walters was a second team MOAC player. Also back are senior Katie Coffee, juniors Bailey Santo and Krista Walters and sophomore Bridget Oder.

“We hope to contend for the MOAC Blue championship once again, as well as a Central District championship,” said coach Terrill. “Our experience should pay off early.”

To achieve those goals, the Scots will have to replace a quartet of graduates. Brogin Denman was a first team pick in the league, while Elora Stiltner earned honorable mention recognition. Also gone are Marlese Ferguson and Sierra Mailey. New to the squad will be freshman Raina Terry and junior Parker Steck.

In league play, the coach knows a lot of teams will be gunning for his team and its lengthy winning streak in conference play.

“Centerburg has a solid core of returning players, Cardington made good strides last year and looks to continue that this year, Northmor always competes at a high level against us, Fredericktown has a nice mix of older players and younger players, East Knox and Mount Gilead really picked it up defensively last year and Elgin lost several key players and has a new coach,” he said in breaking down the opposition.

Highland’s volleyball team is in the above picture.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/08/web1_highvb.jpgHighland’s volleyball team is in the above picture. Rob Hamilton | Morrow County Sentinel

By ROB HAMILTON

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Rob Hamilton can be reached at 419-946-3010, ext. 1807. Connect with him on Twitter at @SportsMCS