Optimism is high in Mantua as Crestwood’s volleyball team returns five starters and five others with varsity experience from last season.
The Red Devils, who finished 16-9 last season, already have come together as a team and are eager to make their mark this season.
“The team chemistry is pretty strong,” said 32nd-year head coach Wanda Hoffman. “These girls have been playing together since seventh grade.”
Despite the optimism, Crestwood has some big shoes to fill.
“We lost Jaz Stevens, who was a four-year setter for us, but Mia Kalista will step up and really help the team,” Hoffman said. “Roxxy Bretz was a force for us in the front row and we are looking forward to Jackie Blasiole to pick up where Roxxy left off. Audrey Fusci will slide into the libero position, taking Zoe Babnik’s place. Kaitlyn Huffman was one of our (defensive specialists) and Aubree Sorboro will be replacing her.”
Senior middle/outside hitter Maddie Dustman returns after an impressive junior season when she collected 171 kills, 52 blocks, and 148 digs on her way to being named first-team All-Chagrin Valley Conference.
“Maddie is a very powerful player,” Hoffman said. “We are better when she is on the floor.”
Senior middle hitter Hannah Ward was an honorable mention All-CVC selection after recording 151 kills and 28 blocks as a junior.
“Hannah is a natural volleyball player,” Hoffman said. “She is very aggressive and smart on the net.”
Senior Abby Guyette recorded 277 assists, 194 digs, and 150 service points last season.
“Abby is a key setter, but it doesn’t stop there,” Hoffman said. “She is a great defensive player and a strong blocker.”
Senior right-side hitter Kayleigh Helm also returns to the starting lineup. She recorded 161 service points and 39 kills last fall.
“Kayleigh has great vision when it comes to hitting,” Hoffman said. “She is a quiet leader and understands her teammates and what they need.”
Rounding out the returning starters is senior libero/defensive specialist Audrey Fusci, who recorded 181 digs and 289 serve receptions last season.
“Audrey really shows her passion and love for the game when she steps on the floor,” Hoffman said. “When the last whistle sounds, you better believe Audrey has put everything she has into earning us a victory.”
Kalista, a senior setter, will help the Red Devils account for Stevens’s production last season.
“I’m excited to watch Mia step onto the court this year,” Hoffman said. “She will lift her team to victory with her sets and serves. She is a nice additive to the team this year.”
Sorboro, a senior, will make her first appearance on the varsity squad.
“She will help us on defense,” Hoffman said. “Aubree has a very strong serve that will help us string some points together.”
Providing depth for the Red Devils are sophomore Jackie Blasiole, a utility player, sophomore outside/middle hitters Abby Hayes and Grace Harper, and junior middle hitter Maddy Sheridan.
“Jackie is an amazing athlete. She has an explosive jump and an aggressive swing. Jackie can play anywhere across the net, but it doesn’t stop there. Blasiole will give the opponents a tough time with her serves. She will also be in the serve-receive system to give us the best possible results,” Hoffman said. “I’m looking for Abby to hold her own in the front with the seniors that she will be surrounded by. I have seen Hayes play a very strong front row and has gotten many blocks as a young player. I’m excited to see her grow through this season.
“Grace will be a swing player. She will be one of the girls coming off the bench when needed to spark our front row. Maddy is a strong hitter. I am impressed at how much she has improved through the last year. When needed I will look for Maddy to step up and help us on the net.”
With a solid core of returning starters and an influx of talented newcomers, Crestwood is poised to compete for the CVC Valley Division title this season.
To do that, the Red Devils must focus on serve-receive and communication on defense, and they’ll have to have a short memory.
“We will need to work hard at correcting mistakes that we make. Let them go and move on,” Hoffman said. “We have different strengths within our players. Each player brings something to the table. They are all unique in their play and complement each other. I feel that they are going to be very exciting to watch and coach. I’m excited to see how they grow and succeed throughout this season.”
