
Enthusiasm abounds as the Rebels return with 10 players who went through growing pains during an 11-19 campaign.
Veteran coach Missy Abbott Marsh returns with 10 players who are well-seasoned. Leadership will come from setters in seniors Amelia Bannister, 389 assists, 195 digs; and Lauren Fey, 234 assists; and junior middle blocker Betsy Crosley, 117 kills. Roncalli lost only one senior, No. 2 blocker Heather Lezon.
“We have everybody back, and we have added some players who we think will be great additions,” said Marsh as she begins her 10th season at Roncalli. “We will be competitive. “
Fey, Bannister and defensive specialist Grace Lawrie and libero Hannah Irmer bring a collective game that is ultra-competitive.
“They hate to lose; they are very athletic,” Marsh said. “They have been on the floor for us for three years, so we’re able to do more advance play this year. And they bring a high level of experience in different scenarios and to stay calm.”
Juniors Grace Hedgwood, last year’s team MVP, and middle blockers Elizabeth Eads and Maggie Schoening and defensive specialist Taylor Kehoe return with sophomore Abby Johnson.
“These girls weren’t used to losing,” Marsh said of last year’s inexperienced team. “They were able to use it as a learning experience, but we, as coaches, had to readjust too. We have done more to prepare for this season. We believe we are a step ahead for this season.”
Newcomers are sophomores Amber Linton, Kacey Kirkhoff and Molly Roeder and freshman Miranda Wilson.
Roncalli’s goals are to defend its inaugural Circle City Conference championship and regain past tournament successes.