West Geauga’s volleyball team enters the 2024 season with four returning starters and plenty of promise.
The Wolverines have their sights set on competing for their first conference title since 2021.
“Our team potential is endless,” said 10th-year head coach Amber Baker. “As long as our chemistry solidifies, I see us being a real contender for the (Chagrin Valley Conference) championship.”
For that to happen, the Wolverines need several players to step up and fill the leadership hole left by the seniors who graduated in June.
“The biggest hole that our seniors from last season left was their leadership,” Baker said. “This year, we are asking everyone to step up and take charge. We are all responsible for ourselves and we are going to lift each other up as we rise.”
Junior setter Malory Lear is a likely candidate to provide the leadership West Geauga needs on the court.
Lear, a first-team All-CVC performer, already has recorded over 1,000 assists in his first two seasons on varsity, and Baker expects her to continue to improve.
“Malory is our fearless leader,” Baker said. “She knows how to run the court and makes smart setting choices on every play. She is sneaky and has plenty of tricks up her sleeve, so defenses need to show her respect.”
Sophomores Ella and Anna Grill also return to the lineup after earning honorable mention All-CVC honors last fall.
Ella Grill is a middle hitter while Anna is an outside hitter.
“Ella has really progressed since last year and had a very successful JO season. She’s faster and stronger this year so she will be a serious threat with her hitting and blocking,” Baker said. “Anna is an incredible outside hitter. Anna plays great off-block defense, and can also pass and set.”
Shaylynn Rogaski, Ireland Oswick, Maddy Dunbrook, Aubree Ovens, and London Veverka are seniors who will be called upon to lead the way on and off the court.
Rogaski is a libero while Oswick is an outside hitter.
“Shay can get to practically any ball. She is incredibly fast and dives with precision. She’s going to impress a lot of people this year,” Baker said. “Ireland is ready to take charge on the outside this year. She has a great approach and an extremely fast arm swing. The sky is the limit for her this year.”
Dunbrook is a middle hitter while Ovens and Veverka are opposite side hitters.
“Maddy is sadly starting off her senior season on the injured reserve list. When she comes back from her ankle injury, she will be supporting our team in the middle and on the right side,” Baker said. “Aubree and London will be supporting us on the right side. With both of them measuring in around 6 feet, they will be putting up a huge block on the right side.”
Junior middle hitter Jill Drabek, sophomore defensive specialist Joelle Insana, and freshmen defensive specialists Olivia Penzenik and Peyton Gambatese round out the varsity lineup.
“This is Jill‘s first year on varsity and she will be handling the work of our second middle. She’s quick and I know she is going to have a great season,” Baker said. “This phenomenal freshman duo (of Penzenik and Gambatese) will be turning a lot of heads this season. They have the confidence of a senior and the energy of a freshman. They play so well together, and get to every ball. We are very lucky to have them in the program. Joelle lettered on varsity last year and we are thrilled to have her full-time this season. Joelle has spectacular form and is very accurate with her passing. She can also hit in a pinch.”
Baker has had many good teams in her 10 years at West Geauga, but she’s confident heading into the 2024 season knowing this could be the best defensive squad of all time.
“Our strengths are in our defense,” she said. “It’s the best defense I’ve ever had in my decade here at West Geauga. We plan to put up a huge block this year and if a ball slips past the block, I know my defense will be there to scoop it right back up.”
