With the 2024 girls’ volleyball season nearly here, local coaches gave a quick look at what to expect from their teams this year.
Apollo: The E-Gals return a very athletic core led by Abie Butterworth, Ava Fazio, Avery Gray, Elise Wilson, Kadi Daugherty, and Jessica Lee. Up-and-comers Jessie Pate and Savannah Denson join them. The team will look to play a fast and high-energy style.
“Our goals for this season are to compete at the top level in our district,” head coach MaryAnne Howard said. “We want to put ourselves in the position to compete in the regional tournament for a chance to go to the state tournament.”
Daviess County: Featuring a young roster with only one senior, Daviess County will play a gritty and fast-tempo, high-energy, aggressive style that emphasizes teamwork to win. Leading the way are the varsity returners junior Delaney Fulcher and sophomores Maya Pollard, Alexis Jones, Keeley Mattingly, Haylee Clark, and Molly Baughman.
Joining them are new faces including senior Lily Farmer, juniors Alexis Clark and Jazlynn Howard, and sophomores Jenna Lawson, Zoe Raymond, and Madelyn Chinn.
“Our goal is to play hard, play fast, and most importantly play together,” head coach Tyla Bailey said. “We are a younger varsity squad that will bring competitive energy to every match.”
Owensboro: The Lady Devils will experience some growing pains as they attempt to replace both of their outside hitters who recently graduated.
Despite that, they return the majority of last year’s core varsity roster including Rose Larsen, Anna Travis, Addie Travis, Mollie Bratcher, and Ava Fincher. Joining them are up-and-comers Macey Kahn, June Larsen, and Ayrish Barksdale.
“Overall, we will try to play a very aggressive and fast-paced tempo type of play,” head coach Melissa Hibbs said. “We pride ourselves in being fundamentally sound and believe we can compete at a high level. … We hope to be highly competitive in every match and play with a high level of intensity. We hope to continue to build throughout the season understanding that our ultimate goal will be to compete for a district and regional title.”
Owensboro Catholic: A very versatile team, the Lady Aces will look to match their opponents and provide plenty of up-tempo. They are led by seven seniors — Olivia Castlen, Tyranda Staurt, Jaiden Grant, Alexis Ebelhar, Andi Davis, Reese Keller, and Briley Powers. Joining them are Mayme Powell, Addie Oller, Ava Martin, Molly Arnold, Emma Castlen, and Payton Arnold.
“We will play as a team, and strive to win the region and make it to the second round of state,” head coach Brian Hardison said.
Trinity: After falling short of multiple team goals last year, Trinity has their eyes set on proving themselves. Fueled by last year’s stumbles, the girls are motivated to run it back.
“We want to play competitively and have a memorable senior year,” senior Caroline Hall said.
The team will again rely on Trinity’s tradition of defense and will be creative with their offense. This year’s varsity roster is made up mostly of seniors. Addison Mills, Kenzie McDowell, and Caroline Hall will be leaned on for their veteran leadership.
“Those three have had a pretty active role in the program for a few years now,” head coach Brooke Hall said. “You add standout athletes like Emily McDaniel, Sarah Payne, and Madison McDaniel to that mix of experience and we are pretty solid.”
Newly added to the varsity roster are juniors Ava Coomes and Gracie Mills.
“Junior setter Emmy Edge will be a key factor in leading the future of our program,” Hall said. “Keep your eyes open for our eager up-and-coming athletes like Laney Mills, Ella McManaway, and Ella Morris. We are excited to train the future of the Trinity Lady Raiders.”
