Chagrin Falls has a new coach and many new faces in the lineup but the Tigers are a senior-laden bunch ready for the new season.
Kelly Holtz inherits three returning starters from a squad that finished 16-8 last season.
“We have a lot of great players who are eager to return to playing and several who were in the shadows of last year’s senior class and looking forward to shining,” Holtz said. “Our team’s intent is to show our appreciation in getting to play together and celebrating the opportunity to play at all during these times.”
One of the priorities for Holtz in her first season is to establish the rotation at setter.
Sophomore Kendall Guddy is projected to start with sophomore Grace Svette providing depth.
“We will have a gap in our setting up front,” Holtz said. “However, we have some sophomores who are looking to train at that position and luckily a coach that has some experience with that role.”
The rest of the starting lineup is made up of seniors.
Lily Crouch, one of three team captains and a Case Western Reserve University commitment, and Lily Weinberger, another captain, will play in the middle. Olivia Perotti is an outside hitter and Olivia Nerpouni is an outside hitter and defensive specialist. Mary Condon will on the right side or in the middle.
Senior libero Talie Avatchi, junior outside hitter Paelyn Benz, junior right side/outside hitter Megan Pandy and sophomore libero Lily Rini, the third captain, provide the depth for the Tigers.
Holtz has embraced a simple philosophy entering her first season with the Tigers.
“We plan to play our game and accept the challenge to continue to grow throughout the season,” she said. “It is all we have control of.”
