Coshocton volleyball team turning the corner

COSHOCTON – A few seasons back, thoughts of a having a winning season was an improbably and visionary hope for the Coshocton High School volleyball team.

However, under head coach Kayley Andrews, the prospect is much more imaginable.

“The hope for this season is to be more competitive,” said Andrews, now in her fourth season. “There were several close games last year and our hope is to capitalize on those this year.”

Thanks to those close calls, the Lady Redskins flirted with the .500 mark for the first time in several years before winding up the 2013 campaign with a 9-13 record.

They also experienced a tournament victory over West Muskingum before being eliminated by Ridgewood as the team from West Lafayette made its march to the state final four.

The reason behind Andrews’ increased optimism lies with no less than seven returning letter winners, five of whom are seniors.

Madeline Hire returns as the team’s top middle hitter as she averaged 3.2 kills per game a year ago. She also provided an offensive spark by connecting on 92 percent of her serves.

Other seniors who return are Lyndsey Desender at middle hitter, Katie Tupper at outside hitter/setter, as well as Claire Bowman and Keely Misener as defensive specialists.

Juniors Lexie Phillips (right side hitter) and Lauren Hire (setter/outside hitter) will also be major contributors. Lauren Hire paced the Lady ‘Skins with 4.1 assists per game last year.

Also expected to play significant roles are sophomores Courtney Guthrie (libero) and Cassidy Cantrell (right side hitter), making a solid nine-player rotation and helping to fill the void left by graduate Caley Shaw, an outside hitter.

“We expect to increase the number of wins this year and to be a top competitor in the East Central Ohio League,” Andrews said. “We believe this can happen with seven letter winners who all had lost of experience last year and there is lots of potential from the newcomers.

The Lady Skins opened their season Aug. 23 at Morgan and played their home opener on Monday against Danville.

“We are working to increase our skill level as the season progresses,” Andrews added. “We expect the girls to work hard, maintain a great attitude and continue to have a desire to win.”

Assisting Andrews are Darcy Gordon-Nelson and Kristin Jamison.

Category: High School