The Rising Sun volleyball team is not standing still. Fearing complacency, coach Rich Wilson is retooling his team even though the Tigers have been undefeated in the past two regular seasons, won two straight region titles, and advanced to the state final last fall. "It's going to be a different team," Wilson said. "If opposing teams expect to see what they saw last year, that's not what they're going to find. They're going to find a more determined team on defense and a more varied team on offense. Teams aren't going to be able to focus on our outsides. We're going to focus more on the middle and offside and back row. We're going to keep teams guessing a little more."
Wilson is able to make these adjustments because he returns the most talent, depth and flexibility he's ever had. The coach says junior outside hitters Breanne Haley and Lacey Swartout provide the Tigers with a chance to experiment. Middle hitter Maddy Eckerd can also play opposite which could open up some playing time for newcomer Marley Spencer. Setter Sarah Williams and opposite/middle hitter Mackenzie Blevins are both coming off outstanding seasons. "The core of the team has played together for two years," Wilson said. "Sarah has a year under her belt running the offense. Mackenzie has had a year with us and is more comfortable with the offense." Rising Sun's main focus has been on defense. "We've made great strides so far," said Wilson. "We've worked on new movement patterns and we've laid the groundwork." In addition to the offensive firepower, the Tigers are also stacked on defense. Senior Emily Ritchie and varsity newcomer Victoria Green are battling for playing time at libero with Laura Ritchie, Kaysie Mackie, and Jasmyne Moore close on their heels, Wilson said. Senior Clarissa Pino, Emily Forrest, and newcomer Alana Hudson provide the Tigers with depth at the setter and opposite positions. Comments are closed.
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