Five Letterwinners Back For Pettisville Volleyball

Experience could be the key for the Pettisville volleyball team this year with five returning letterwinners, four of whom were starters last year.

The Birds finished 15-11, 7-3 in the Buckeye Border Conference, and were district finalists.

"We have experienced leadership with four returning starters, and we also have strong serving," said John Horning, PHS head coach.

"We also look to be much improved defensively this year."

Horning has two years of varsity experience under his belt and will look to his veterans, Haley Nofziger, Karina Rohrer- Meck, Katie Weber, and Keely Geringer, seniors, and Chelsea Schmucker, a junior, to lead the team.

Mix in some promising newcomers- Mackenzie Nofziger, Lauren Bontrager, Ashley Eicher, Lynae Fry, Sarah McDermott, juniors; Stephanie Yoder, Tessa Yoder, Stacey King and Kylee Garcia, sophomores- and Horning believes his squad should be "very competitive" this season and be a contender in the BBC.

Weaknesses include consistent passing and serve reception.

"Our younger players will need to adjust and learn the quicker tempo and advanced play at the varsity level," said Horning.

"We look to be playing our best ball come tournament time."

Horning is assisted by Rebecca Dorosz; Megan Martz, junior varsity coach; and Tim Myers, freshman coach.

The Birds open their season, Saturday, Aug. 23 with a trimeet against North Baltimore and Columbus Grove. The varsity plays at North Baltimore; the JV plays at Pettisville.