Holt, Timberland Volleyball Teams Poised for Season

Certainly one of the greatest accomplishments of Abigail Entwistle’s eight years of coaching can be seen when the volleyball team takes the court.

After suffering through a 1-22 season a year ago, it would have been easy for all the returning players to give up and find something else to do with their fall. Instead, they all returned for this season. 

Entwistle credits her players for recognizing that the bruises of 2010 should translate to success this year.

“I had a fabulous group of girls last year,” she said. “I cannot complain about their attitudes one bit. Every practice they came and worked hard and kept their heads up.”

Even though five of the six starters from last year’s team return, the Wolves will still be young this season with only two seniors on the roster. Michelle Schaefer started at both the middle and right side, and Katie Beardslee, a middle hitter, also saw playing time. 

Entwistle will also count on juniors, setter Lauren Rothweil and defensive specialist Kaity Murphy and sophomores, outside hitter Brooke Glore and middle hitter Emily Rafferty. The coach said those four returning starters represented the core of the youth movement that she believes will pay dividends this year.

“I definitely have some pretty good expectations for this season,” Entwistle said. “I’ve got a few players that are coming up that I think are going to do great things for the team. The girls that are coming back are stronger, they’re more prepared, so I’m excited about the season."

Joining the returning starters is sophomore Mary Grace Masters, who saw some playing time toward the end last year. She may be the hardest hitter for the club and will play on the outside. Junior Kayla Dodge will also figure into the mix as a setter, along with Rothweil.

While Timberland returned nearly its entire roster from a year ago, Holt coach Guy Shoshan plans to suit just enough players for a team.

He’ll use a seven-player rotation in part because of the experience coming back. He also wants the players who are on the fringe of having varsity-level ability to get more playing time with the junior varsity team rather than wasting time sitting on the varsity bench.

“The team dynamic is going to be better than it was last year,” he said. “All the girls are going to play, so it’s not going to be a problem of girls with a lack of playing time and being unhappy at times.”

The Indians return three starters from a squad that went 12-17 this past season, including losing six of its final seven matches.

Sophomore Sarah Sanchez will lead the way.

The opposite hitter was the team’s only Holt player to earn post-season honors, landing a spot on the all-Gateway Athletic Conference honorable mention team. She also made all-tournament teams at Orchard Farm and Ritenour.

Outside hitters Paige Bellendir, a senior, and junior Alayna Flynn are the other two returners. Shoshan also will count on senior Christina Runyon, a middle hitter, and sophomores Alexis Kunde and Megan Gibbs.