
The Woodmen are well-balanced after graduating three seniors who were among the leaders in kills, blocks and assists.
Coach Amanda Ratliff sees an improved season – only eight wins last year – as the front and back lines try to become more consistent.
“A lot of the girls are even in their skills,” Ratliff said. “It’s kind of easy if a player is having a bad day to pop somebody else in there and it works for the team. A lot of our younger players are more experienced than in past years.”
Improved senior Maggie Smith expects to play more as a right-side hitter but can also move to the middle, where third-year starter, 6-1 junior Alyssa Stilley (185 kills, 47 blocks) and Joy Maze roam. Juniors Gabi Oakes and Lauren Battinau and sophomore Megan Johns are outside hitters. Juniors Lawson Roberts (179 digs, 121 assists, 33 aces) and Aaliyah McGowen and sophomore Sara Stevenson are defensive specialists. Junior Maddy Limbach is in as the new setter.
“Being competitive in the conference and county are our goals,” Ratliff said. “Then we will try to keep adding to our wins overall. We’re looking to see how far we can go this year and just continue to build from there.”
The Woodmen only have two seniors, Smith and outside hitter Ally Montgomery. With five juniors, four sophomores and two freshmen, the Woodmen could be a year away.