After contributing to a sectional championship in 2020, four juniors and a sophomore are expected to lead the way for the College Heights Christian volleyball team this fall.
College Heights coach Mary Colin is confident juniors Lauren Ukena, Addie Lawrence, Lindsay Griesemer and Ava Masena and sophomore Maddy Colin give the Cougars a solid core.
“Lauren, Addie, Lindsay, Ava and Maddy are powerful players who love to play and have fun,” Coach Colin said. “They will all serve aggressively, hit hard, dive for balls, block balls and maintain strong team chemistry. They’ll be fun to watch.”
All five of those players gained valuable experience during the Cougars’ memorable ‘20 season.
College Heights went 24-4 overall and 6-0 in conference play a year ago. It was the third consecutive season the Cougars went undefeated in conference action.
College Heights captured district and sectional championships before concluding the season with a loss in the quarterfinal round of the Class 1 state tournament to eventual runner-up Lesterville.
The Cougars lost seven seniors to graduation and will feature no seniors this fall.
Ukena and Lawrence are expected to lead CHC’s attack at the net.
Ukena, a defensive specialist last season, will be an outside hitter this year, while Lawrence returns at right side hitter.
“We are expecting to see offensive points from Lauren and Addie,” said Coach Colin, who is now in her 10th year as CHC’s head coach. “They both bring power and experience. They are also very aggressive from the service line. Lauren will contribute solid defensive play as well.”
Colin noted Griesemer is another outside hitter who possesses power.
Masena will be College Heights’ starting libero.
“She’s a great defensive player, as well as being a great communicator and a team leader,” Colin said.
Maddy Colin will run the team’s 5-1 offense from the setter position.
“She dishes up a nice ball, can be an offensive threat and is aggressive from the service line,” Coach Colin said.
In addition to the five returning performers, junior Marley Woodford, sophomore Katie Moss and freshman Libby Fanning are other players who could make an impact at the varsity level this fall.
“All three are working hard, love to play and are looking for varsity time,” Coach Colin said.
The keys to success for the Cougars are simple, Colin noted.
“Consistency,” she said. “Honestly, that’s the goal for most teams. We aren’t a team full of six footers, but if we continue to gain consistency, our opponents will feel like they’re playing six footers.”
Colin added there’s a lot to like about this year’s squad.
“The team is very well-rounded,” Colin said. “We have state champions in track (Lawrence, Ukena) and a conference player of the year in softball (Maddy Colin). They love this game and they get better everyday. Ultimately, in volleyball, we need to kill the ball, serve some aces and dig and block. These girls can do these skills.”
The Cougars begin the season on Sept. 2 at Lockwood. The team’s first home date is Sept. 13 against Marionville.
