The Panthers. / Photo by: Sue Moss
The girls’ volleyball team is aiming to make the tournament.
The Whitman-Hanson Regional High girls’ volleyball team’s mission is simple this season.
“Our goal this season is to be successful and have a winning season,” said third-year head coach Samantha Richner, whose club finished 3-10 last fall. “We will achieve that by working hard, day in and day out. We have a dedicated group this season and I am confident they will be successful.”
Senior captain Lily Welch is the engine that powers the Panthers. She led the team with 73 kills and 29 blocks last season.
“Lily has always been an impressive player” Richner said. “She is extremely dedicated to the sport and is constantly improving her game. Lily is strongest in the front row, but is a well-rounded player who plays all the way around the court.”
Middle hitter Abby Martin and right-side hitter Meg Stone, both of whom are seniors, also captain the Panthers.
“When Abby gets a kill, she gets a kill,” Richner said. “Abby’s hits are a line drive, making them very difficult for our opponents to receive. Abby is a beast at the net with not only her strong hits, but her ability to block our opponents.
“This is Meg’s first season back since her injury, but you wouldn’t know it. Meg is a lefty right side, making her a difficult player for our opponents to read.”
So, as you might expect Richner said her team’s strength is its front row.
“We have multiple power house hitters that we can and will be using to our advantage,” she said.
Junior outside hitter Caitlin Leahy and senior libero Izzy Baker are also key returnees.
As for departures, reigning league all-star Sophia Berardinelli, who paced the team with 162 assists, 142 digs and 30 aces, leaves the biggest void. But freshman setter Caroline Gray has made it a seamless transition, according to Richner.
“She has made a seamless transition to our team and we are lucky to have her,” Richner said.
W-H is back in action Friday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. on the road at Marshfield.
“I am just looking forward to watching the girls play this year,” Richner said. “We have a tight-knit group and it is fun to watch them play and interact on the court. They have great potential this season and we are excited to see how far these players can take their talents.”