Berkshire returns just three starters and six additional lettermen from last year’s squad that finished 18-7 overall and 13-1 in earning a share of the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division, but sometimes quality trumps quantity.
In senior McKenna Tucek, the Badgers possess once of the most dominant players in Northeast Ohio. Tucek, who already has committed to continue her education and playing career at Georgia Southern University, recorded 223 kills, 149 digs and 16 blocks as a junior.
“McKenna is a very talented player,” said 13th year head coach Joni Prots. “She is our leader on and off the court. She has been playing varsity since her freshman year, so she brings a lot of experience with her. She led our team in kills last season and was one of our top passers.”
Other returning starters include senior middle hitter Sarah Conklin and junior outside hitter Madison Chapman.
Conklin recorded 85 kills, 50 blocks, 32 digs and 21 service aces as a junior.
“We are looking for Sarah to take charge in the middle this season,” Prots said. “She has been more aggressive this preseason, which is something we have been working on. She is one of our top blockers and we look for her to be even better at that this season.
Chapman recorded 89 kills, 53 digs and 19 blocks from the right side last year and will switch to the outside for the 2017 season.
“She has been working hard on her passing and we look for her to be another weapon on the outside for us this season,” Prots said.
The Badgers have several other talented players who should make an impact this fall.
Senior middle hitter Cheyanne Bosse transferred to Berkshire from St. John’s while juniors Olivia Freiling and Julia Kastor moved up to the varsity after playing JV last season.
“Cheyanne brings much needed help in the middle because of an injury to one of last year’s middles,” Prots said. “She brings more height and varsity experience with her that will help us stay big in the front row and should improve our overall team blocking. Olivia steps into a very important role for us this season. Even though this is her first season as a varsity starter she has been working hard to improve and we are relying on her to lead the offense. Julia will be our player to fill any role we need. She will start on the right side but can play on the outside or middle if we need her too. We are looking for Julia to add another option to our offense and improve our blocking on the right side.”
Freshman Delaney Tucek also will see plenty of varsity action this fall at libero.
“Delaney is not the average freshman,” Prots said. “She has been competing at a high level in JO for several years. She brings knowledge and game experience to the libero role. We look for her to be vocal on the floor and help improve our team defense.”
Seniors Bridget McMahon and Lizzie O’Conner, juniors Madelyn Carver and Marisa Miller and sophomore Kayla Dingman are all expected to provide quality depth for the Badgers as they set out to win another league title and make a deep run in the postseason.
“Our team goals are to win the CVC and to advance farther than last season in the postseason tournament,” Prots said. “To be successful this season we need to be consistent and work on coming together as a team on the court. We need to become more well-rounded on offense and not rely on one or two players to carry us.”
