Hatters Volley for Another Shot at Champs

2011 Girls Volleyball Schedule

After making it to the playoffs last year, the girls volleyball team is heading into the 2011 season with their eyes not just on a successful playoff run, but also the top prize — a trip to the state championship.

The team has its first scrimmage against Downingtown High School East Aug. 24 and will begin its regular season with a match-up against Wissahickon High School Sept. 6.

Last year, the team boasted a 10-4 record in Suburban One play and 14-6 in the overall season, getting knocked out of the playoffs after a 3-1 loss to Avon Grove.

The approximately 12-member varsity team will be missing four students from last year’s roster — Kiersten Collette, a strong presence in last season’s playoffs who has since moved, as well as graduated seniors Julie Austin, Kelsey Baranek and Julie Harvey.

At 6’2, Harvey, a middle hitter, was a key asset to the team. Despite Harvey's transition to Franklin & Marshall College, varsity coach Kathy Tanner said she expects the team to remain strong. 

“She’s going to be dearly missed," Tanner said. "But, we’re still going to make an impact this year without her.”

The offense will be impressive, Tanner said, with hitters like Lauren Laucella and Kathryn Lucca, who missed the majority of the last season because of an injury.

The front line will also benefit from the help of Carly Black, a senior who wasn’t able to play volleyball last season after her other sport, soccer, was moved to the fall season. Tanner said the coaches of both teams worked together to ensure Black could play on both teams this season.

The defensive side of the team will be led by players like junior libero Caitlin Klotzbach.

“We’re going to be strong all around,” Tanner said. “We have a really good offense and we’re also strong defensively. We’re very well-rounded, which is something that it’s great to be able to say.”

Tanner also expects a boost from two new players — freshmen Sam Jones and Candyce Riley, who both played on a club team that ranked fifth in nationals.

“They are two very strong freshmen, and I see them really contributing to the program this year,” Tanner said. “I think they’re going to open some eyes.”

Also new to this year’s team is JV coach Jonathan Young, who Tanner said will be a “great asset” to the team. Young, who comes to Hatboro-Horsham from Central Bucks West, will join Tanner and assistant varsity coach Seely Byler for their second seasons.

Many of the players have spent the summer warming up for the coming season by participating in the school’s conditioning program, playing in quads or doubles and in outdoor clubs.

While competition will be stiff throughout the league, Tanner said the Lady Hatters are most eager to top teams like Upper Merion and Plymouth Whitemarsh and will also have exciting match-ups against non-league teams like St. Basil’s and Central Bucks South.    

“We’re very well-rounded, and I think we have some really great things working in our favor this year,” she said.