Under first-year coach Amanda Allen, the Cardington volleyball program will try to improve on last year’s 12-11 record behind eight returnees.
Allen, who replaced Kendra Mosher after she took an assistant coaching job at Kenyon College, will have a lot of talent to work with. Senior outside hitter Jordan Deskins was a first-team pick by both the league and district last year, while senior libero Rylie Partlow has been a second-team pick by the league and district in both of the past two years.
Senior setter Marissa Hall was an honorable mention pick by the league last year, while senior hitter Makenna McClure was named honorable mention by the league as a sophomore. All five returning seniors will graduate as four-year letterwinners. Also returning are senior Kyndall Spires, juniors Paige Clinger and Maci Morgan and sophomore Hannah Wickline.
While the team graduated Markie Seitz and Gracie Rees, Allen will have a number of new players ready to help fill holes in the line-up. She cited freshman setter Kyleigh Bonnette as a player with plenty of club experience. Sophomore Casey Bertke and juniors Katie Lester, Gabby Snodgrass, Delisa Goodman and Aubrey Curtis also join the team.
“We have seen some great things happen already in our season, as early as it is,” said Allen. “The girls have endured many obstacles and challenges, such as changes in the coaching staff, two-a-days and some injuries. We continue to work hard as a group and communicate with one another about what is working and what is not. I am incredibly proud of how everyone has rallied and continued to build team morale.”
When it comes to season goals, Allen wants to finish with a winning record, not get swept by any team, finish in the top three in the league and serve at or above 90 percent as a team. To have success in the league, she knows her team will need to get past Highland and Northmor.
“There are two teams in our conference that have always caused us problems and they are Highland and Northmor,” Allen said. “We have had sets that we were very competitive with them, so I know that the girls can win.”
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