Bears reload after losing 5 of 7 starters

NORTH ENGLISH — Losing a majority of starters in any sport can be challenging, but the Bears are confident in the talent coming up from last season’s junior varsity.

The Bears went 15-15 last season, finishing third in the SICL East, and fell in the second round of the Class 1A playoffs.

Returning starters from last season are Anna Gorsch and Ava Gehrking.

“Anna started as an outside hitter last year. She should be a workhorse and go to hitter this year,” English Valleys head volleyball coach Robert Barrick Jr. said.

“Ava was a top-notch middle hitter and very fine blocker. She looks forward to adding back row play to her resume this year.”

  Buy Photo

Gorsch had 48 kills last season to go along with 28 aces while serving. Gehrking had 139 kills to go with 65 blocks.

Barrick is looking at many different players to step up this season with more playing time.

“Hadyn Bender shows real promise as a setter for the year. She put in a lot of time last year, often attending two practices each day,” said Barrick.

“That, along with off-season playing time, has her prepared to run a more diversified attack this year.”

“Christy Knapp and Nicole Murphy, seniors, look to bring their offensive skills to the team this year as they plan to step up their playing time,” Barrick said.

Barrick also noted several other players also will be pushing for varsity playing time, and some incoming freshman have looked good this summer.

The Bears will be a different team this year and will play different strategically this season. They open up the season Aug. 26 in a tournament at Keota.

“A major coaching challenge this year is designing an offense to take advantage of the skills the team has,” said Barrick.

“I’m guessing it will be a little different. Replacing last year’s two top notch serve receivers and defensive players also will be a priority.”