Roncalli working hard to repeat as sectional champs

Expecting another winning season at Roncalli are seniors Maggie Schoening, Betsy Crosley, Grace Hegwood, Elizabeth Eads and Taylor Kehoe. Hegwood and Eads were first and second, respectively, in kills last season.

Roncalli (25-9) – Coach Missy (Abbott) Marsh in 11th year … must find replacements for graduated leaders in setter Lauren Fey, more than 1,000 career assists, and libero Hannah Irmer, over 1,000 career digs … junior setters Elizabeth Origer and sophomore Hanna Cushing up from junior varsity squad … back row also has senior Taylor Kehoe (team-high 68 aces, No. 3 in digs with 250), junior Molly Roeder plus newcomers in junior Grace Irmer and freshman Emma Halter … no doubts about experienced frontline of seniors, three-year starter and two-time team MVP Grace Hegwood (team-high 446 kills, 352 digs) outside hitter and Betsy Crosley (team-high 82 blocks) and Elizabeth Eads (No. 2 in kills and blocks) middle hitters … right side goes to senior Maggie Schoening and sophomores Abby Johnson and Miranda Wilson … face rugged Yorktown Invitational Saturday, then visit Cathedral Tuesday.

Coach’s comments: “We have big shoes to fill at setter. We have two new setters, but they have been working hard and have played club ball. They are no strangers to that position. They’re not stepping into a new position; they’re just stepping into a higher level. Basically, all our offense returns up front; so, swinging at the ball, we should be okay. Our seniors have high expectations. Our newcomers will fill the spots in the back row. We don’t expect any drop off defensively. The girls realize the tradition here: winning is important – that’s what we do.”