After winning two conference titles in the last three years, West Geauga is eyeing another title despite facing a bit of a rebuild.
The Wolverines graduated three All-Chagrin Valley Conference performers but do return four players who earned all-conference awards.
“This year is a little bit of a rebuild for us,” said West Geauga coach Amber Baker. “We have a lot of new girls with big potential and multiple players in skilled positions. We are concentrating primarily on our defense this offseason, and plan to rely on our strong offense to push us through the tough matches.”
Among West Geauga’s most talented returners is sophomore Malory Lear, who earned first-team all-conference honors as a freshman after breaking the school record with over 500 assists last fall.
“Malory started on varsity as a freshman, and has a year under her belt now, and looks better than ever,” Baker said.
Senior right side Ceci Jadrych was a second-team all-conference selection last season and Miaya Jones and Gisella Glodkowski were honorable mention selections.
“Ceci is such an underrated player. Ceci has a 94.9 percent service rating,” Baker said. “Gisela has played on varsity since her sophomore year. She will be playing middle and also be joining our back row defense this season.”
Senior middle hitter Kayla Herbst also returns after missing part of her junior season.
“After a brief interruption of her junior season, Kayla is back and better than ever,” Baker said. “Kayla made second-team all-conference as a sophomore.”
Senior libero Monika Velazquez will play libero and junior Ireland Oswick will play on the outside.
“I’m expecting Monika to put a big stats this year. Last year she was averaging six digs per set,” Baker said. “Ireland is new to varsity this year and we are expecting her to do big things on the outside.”
Freshmen Anna and Ella Grill will play outside and middle hitter, respectively.
“One new fresh face for our team this year is Anna Grill, a very powerful outside who is also an outstanding setter and server,” Baker said. “Ella is a powerhouse. This freshman packs a punch with her big jump serve, quick footwork, and a big block. Don’t underestimate this young athlete.”
Baker also expects seniors Gianna Trivisonno and Isla Mancino to contribute this fall.
