Start of another school year, start of another volleyball season in the Ohio Valley and after a successful 2007 season for local teams, the 2008 season is ready to get underway.

In what has become common in the OVAC, the annual turnaround in prep net coaches is high again this season with as many as 13 new head coaches at the 42 OVAC schools that put volleyball teams on the courts.

Some of the old veterans are back as well. Veteran OVAC coaches return at Bridgeport (Bob Krajnyak), Buckeye Trail (Jeff Beros), Cambridge (Rod Johnson), East Liverpool (Bob Shansky), Linsly (Dr. David Mallow), Oak Glen (Ethel Riser), Union Local (Ron Kelly) and Wellsville (Dan McKinstry). All of these coaches have between 15 and 33 years of experience as head coaches.

Speaking of East Liverpool, the Potters have accumulated 10 OVAC titles through the years, but have been ineligible for the OVAC playoffs the past two years due to scheduling conflicts. Shansky’s Lady Potters will be back this year as they have bolstered their conference schedule and are looking for a return to the playoffs.

Shansky, with nearly 400 career wins, joins a select group of coaches in the conference with some very impressive career totals. McKinstry starts the season as the winningest coach with over 530 wins. Kelly is very close to his 300th win. Beros and Johnson, who both started at Trail, have 343 and 330 career wins, respectively and Mallow surpassed the 200 win mark a year ago.

Coaching changes took place this season at St. John Central, Martins Ferry, Caldwell, Cameron, Shenandoah, Wheeling Central, Buckeye Local, John Marshall, Frontier, Edison, River, Weir and Steubenville Central.

In last year’s OVAC playoffs, three of the four champions were defending champs that repeated. Patrick Wells’ Beallsville squad won the Class 1-A crown, Troy Baker’s Monroe Central team repeated in 2-A while finishing the regular season at 20-0. Walter Anchors’ Beaver Local team surprised the field by taking a second straight 4-A crown and Pam Chapman’s Magnolia team ended St. Clairsville’s run in Class 3-A.

This year’s OVAC championships will be played at Union Local High School in Morristown on Saturday, October 11 starting at 9 a.m. with Class 4-A semifinals.

Below are capsule reports on volleyball squads from throughout the OVAC. Not all schools submitted rosters.

BELLAIRE

Head coach – Kaye Sechrest

Assistant coaches – Erica Vavrek, Wendy Patrone, Stacey Smalley, Alecia Tomlan.

2007 OVAC Record: 6-14

Graduated players – Monica Chase, Chelsea LaRoche, Lauren Doyle.

2008 Roster

Seniors: Rachel Banker, Kelly Blon, Megan Green, Alecia Keyser, Alyssa Ofat, Alex Wright.

Juniors: Kara Bobka, Spencer Porter.

Sophomores: Chelsey Blacker, Amanda Masciarelli, Tori McCabe, Michelle Palicka, Alexia Yoka, Dena DeBlasis, Caitlyn Pavlich.

Freshmen: Macy Cordy, Katie Fry, Casey Garloch, Madison Kinder, Sarah Marlin, Taylor Porter, Kylie Seevers, Megan Street.

Coach’s Comments: “We have a great group of girls who have some experience, but we are looking for some underclassmen/reserves to step up and be productive at the varsity level.”

BEALLSVILLE

Head coach – Patrick Wells

Assistants – Debbie Arnold

2007 OVAC Record: 22-2

Graduated players – Savannah Burke, Holly Tyo, Latara Arnold, Amanda Fraley, Rachel Beckett

Seniors: Kristin Lallathin, Kerri Thomas.

Juniors: Cheyenne Moore, Rebecca Garlick, Stephanie Kanzigg, Alexis Kanzigg, Tori Jarrett, Jami Spence, Morgan Roberts, Alicia Lucas.

Sophomores: Jessica Campbell, Sam Stephen, Courtney Stephen.

Freshmen: Hayley Campbell, Tiffany May, Carah Weber, Jacey Palmer, Keylee Sefert, Carrie Simmons, Alicia Kanzigg, Clarrisea Dugan.

Coach’s Comments: “We have three returning starters and some juniors with some varsity experience. We should be fairly competitive.”

BUCKEYE TRAIL

Head coach – Jeff Beros

Assistant coaches – Mike Beaver, Kathy Hensley, Ashley Stillion, Jenny Robinson.

2007 OVAC Record: 20-5

Graduated players – Traci Alt, Alicia Cunningham, Rory Cox, Jamie Bates, Lauren Zink.

Seniors: Chelsea Doutt, Emily McEndree, Laura Dunlap.

Juniors: Kaitlyn Wolfe, Lindsey Bardall.

Sophomores: Alexa Abrams, Candice Bumgardner, Joselyn George.

Team Highlights: Beros opens the season with an 18-year 343-81 career coaching record and one the most successful coaching runs in any sport in OVAC history. He loses five very talented players through graduation, but returns three letter winners, including two veterans in seniors Chelsea Doutt and Laura Dunlap.

LINSLY

Head coach – Dr. David Mallow

Assistant coaches – Karl Penz.

2007 OVAC Record: 12-8

Graduated players – Stephanie Boutsicaris, Dayna Wolf.

Seniors: Sara Chesnick, Alexis Penz, Megan Byhanna, Hannah Rice, Dina Teyline, Erika Mitchum.

Juniors: Kayla Seidler.

Team Highlights: Dr. Mallow has quietly developed one of the more consistent programs in the OVAC at Linsly. Over his 23 years as the school’s head coach, he has put together a 205-147 career coaching mark. His 2008 team returns seven players who started or saw a lot of playing time last season. The Lady Cadets may be the sleeper again this season.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE

Head coach – Rebecca Hays

Assistant coaches – Bethany Piccolini, Rachele Slenski.

2007 OVAC Record: 11-11

Graduated players – Olivia Pokas, Stephanie Skatula, Kylie Bober, Alison Garbash, Jessica Zuzak.

Seniors: None.

Juniors: Alex Pokas, Taylor Mick, Sammie Witchey, Tessa Olexo, Alex Holub, Faith Myers, Emily Clark, Allison Miller, Alex Baker.

Sophomores: Sarah Slenski, Lexie King, Erica Costine, Monica Wakim, Brittany Saffell, Taylre Dugan, Sarah Hillis, Devyn Strain.

Freshmen: Brittany Boone, Taylor Clark, Maelani Dennis, Alexis Emrisko, Cecelia Favede, Jessica Manhollan, Kelsey Perkins, Emily Porter, Katie Scott, Emily Vickers.

Coach’s Comments: “I am very excited about this season. I realize I do not have any seniors this year on my roster, but my juniors are already stepping up and showing great leadership. I am happy with how these girls are working hard in practice and showing great team unity. I have six returning lettermen ( Pokas, Mick, Witchey, Holub, Clark and Slenski). I am anticipating a great year for Red Devil volleyball!”

UNION LOCAL

Head coach – Ron Kelly

Assistant coaches – Judy Kelly.

2007 OVAC Record: 10-12.

Graduated players: Sarah Abboud, Katelyn Davis, Brandi Gregor, Victoria Balvin, Emily Clift, Kaytlyn Fisher, Jamie Smith, Kristi Ford.

Seniors: Renee Britton, Katie Borkoski, Brenynn Butler.

Juniors: none

Sophomores: Shayla Lucas, Lindsay Schafer, Madison Nagy, Rosa Nardo, Karlie Russell, Katie Butler, Jenna Britton, Savanna Kinder.

Coach’s Comments: “The outlook for the Union Local Lady Jets 2008 season will center around two seniors, Renee Britton and Katie Borkoski from last year’s team. Along with these two seniors we have a young and inexperienced team with eight sophomores that have replaced the eight seniors from last year’s team. The success for this year’s team depends on how quickly they make adjustments to varsity play.”

MARTINS FERRY

Head coach: Kim Appolloni

Seniors: Shae Moreland, Nicole King, Taylor Tirpak.

Juniors: Kyle Fitch, Dorthea Headley, Taylor Kuminkoski, Lacey Neavin, Mallory Pamphilis.

Sophomores: Shayla Outward, Kali Marchio, Kayla Sabatino, Taylor Campbell.

Freshmen: Stephanie Perdock, Kaci Rykowski.

Coach’s Comments: “Kids have worked hard all summer and we hope it pays off with a better overall season. Not worrying about wins and losses just playing to our full potential and rebuilding the program.”

CAMBRIDGE

Head coach – Rod Johnson.

Assistant coaches – Lisha Stocker, Connie Miller, Darren DeLong.

2007 OVAC Record: 15-10

Graduated players – Leslie Starr.

Seniors: Megan Tharp, Marlee Reardon, Paige Myers, Jamie Powell, Lauren Maximo, Ashley Schott.

Juniors: Rebecca Cline, Katie Davis, Maggie Starr, Alysa Rice, Chrissy St. Clair, Paige Young.

Sophomores: Katie Caldwell, Lindsay Province.

Coach’s Comments: “The 2008 Cambridge Lady Bobcats will be a veteran group with seven returning letter winners. Competing in the always-tough East Central Ohio League always prepares this program for the rigors of OVAC competition.” Note: Johnson enters with a 330-84 career coaching mark.

SHENANDOAH

Head coach: Colleen Kasper

Assistant coaches: Jill Parks, Melissa Franklin

2007 OVAC Record: 15-7

Graduated players: Ciera Clark, Jordan Dimmerling, Lacey Franklin, Jennifer Graves, Emily Hupp, Patrisha Stillions, Brooke Wehr, Brooke Hall.

Seniors: Megan Grywalski, Casandra Mazgay, Katie Davis, Olivia Mallett, Greta Moore, Arissa O’Donnell.

Juniors: Ashley Butcher, Audra Schroeder, Crissy Shafer.

Sophomores: Alexis Arick, Emily Long, Emily Mallett, Jaira Parks, Kelsey Carpenter, Morgan Rossiter, Brianna Dodd, Kendra Warner, Britney Hall, Shayla Bowen, Abby Wright.

Freshmen: Carissa Wukelich, Caralee Wukelich, Renee Schwieterman, Savannah McPeek, Alexis Watson, Emily Murphy.

Coach’s Comments: “Zeps have back one varsity player, middle hitter/blocker Megan Grywalski. Megan is very athletic and will serve as team captain. It will be a new team in 2008. Megan will lead the team at the net and other players are ready to step up. We will play several players and will look to improve every game.”

STEUBENVILLE

Head coach: Kathy McGrath

Assistant coaches: Dennis McGrath, Lynn Meyer

2007 OVAC Record: 9-12

Graduated players: Samantha Dixon, Kristen Kalinowski, Nikita Schoonover, Sami Ju Zirille.

Seniors: Catherine Pendergrast, Shari Thomas, Malesha Fonster, Chelsea Wilson, Alexa Auteri.

Juniors: Tabatha Berryman, Sabina Hoppel, Zemfira Hoppel, Bethany Myers.

Sophomores: Eriklynn Brown, Nichole Gardner, Janelle Labishak, Paige Taylor, Terrilynn Wolfe, Brittany Young.

Freshmen: Hannah Meyer, Chelsey Evans, Jasmine Ware, Jasmine Wilson, Brooke Fellows, Stephanie Rochery, Beanna Perdue.

Team Highlights: McGrath returns for her fourth season as the Big Red head coach with a 21-23 career mark. Last season her squad suffered a tough first round loss in the Sectional. She will need to replace All-OVAC performer Samantha Dixon.

FRONTIER

Head coach: Donna Murphy

Assistant coaches: Therese Canter

2007 OVAC Record: 6-12

Graduated players: Shay Dunn, Chelsea Binegar, Alissa Kirkbride, Jessica Binegar, Morgan Crum.

Seniors: Maggie Alden, Kayla Bowersock, Tiffany Haught, Meagen Rinard, Kayle Valentine, Nicole Resecker.

Juniors: Nikkie Greathouse, Lexie Hoff, Josie Hearn, Katie Slonaker.

Sophomores: Ashley Kimble, Makayla Marlow, Marissa McColl, Taylor Reynolds, Hilary Thacher, Cameron Wolfe.

Freshmen: Jennifer Smitley, MacKenzie Haessly, Moriah Riggs, Heidi McPeek.

Team Highlights: The Lady Cougars had a large turnout for volleyball this season and that should be a boon for the program. A good group of seniors and juniors should provide a strong attack for the Lady Cougars this season. The varsity will also feature two gifted sophomores in Thacker and Kimble.

WEIR

Head coach: Bob Rosnick

Assistant coaches: None.

2007 OVAC Record: 12-7

Graduated players: Liz Cowden, Heather Dulaney, Ali Bobalick, Jessica Sikora, Courtney Stanley.

Seniors: Natalie Bohn, Carly Morgan, Leah Crow, Stephanie Rosnick, Robin Drennan.

Juniors: Elise Cowden, Kelsey Andrews, Emma Platt, Megan Morgan, Gabby Antoniou.

Sophomores: Sarah Taflan.

Freshmen: Danica Rassicci, Allison Viakely.

Coach’s Comments: “We will be a senior strong team in 2008. We have five returning starters that we will be counting on to lead this team.”

BEAVER LOCAL

Head coach: Walter Anchors

Assistant coaches: Melody Allison, Jake Walgate.

2007 OVAC Record: 17-6

Graduated players: Brooke Jackson, Amanda Blaner

Seniors: Brittany Barrett, Megan Campbell, Chelsea Roberts, Ciara Williams.

Juniors: Jessica Kernich, Michela Nicholson, Taylor Hall and Erin Hall.

Sophomores: Katie McDaniel, Jessica McGeehan, Lexi Steele, Heidi Wilson, Jessica Foster, Karley Pyle.

Freshmen: Taylor Pike, Allison Yajko.

Team Highlights: Beaver Local has wo the past two OVAC Class 4-A titles and looks to be one of the top contenders this season with a veteran and talented cast of returnees to lead the Lady Fighting Beavers. A two-time coach of the year, Anchors enters with a 90-24 career record and four returning players that gained post-season honors in ’07.

EAST LIVERPOOL

Head Coach: Bob Shansky

Assistant coaches: Kayla Barborak, Lori Adkins.

2007 OVAC Record: 8-12

Graduated players: Rachel Klink, Chelsey Stockdale, Amy Dunlap.

Seniors: Jenna Brant, Emily Mahon, Kelsy Rickerd, Melissa Smith, Krissa Trombetta, Jerrica Talbot.

Juniors: Katie Kiger, Jada Butler, McKenzie Davis, Alliegh Wymer.

Sophomores: Kristen Cowart, Courtney Dawson, Katlyn Diddle, Sarah Guthrie, Sam Hilditch, Lexi Volino.

Freshmen: Kelly Kiger, Whittni Davidson, Allison English, Mallory Waggle, Kelsie Wymer, Emily Hays, Rebecca McDowell, Alyson Woolmaker.

Team Highlights: A multi-year past OVAC champion, East Liverpool will be back in the mix this season after three years of be ineligible. Shansky, with a 385-265 career coach record, returns five very talented senior lettermen from a team that lost just three players from a year ago. Shansky is elated to have his team back in running for an OVAC title this season and should be one of the teams to watch in 2008..

HARRISON CENTRAL

Head coach – Ray Hibbs

Assistant coaches – Amy Sutherland

2007 OVAC Record: 8-10

Graduated players – Sarah Wilden.

Seniors: Kallie Telfer, Kristina Brandon, Alli Doty, Lori Koch, Megan Vermillion.

Juniors: Megan Albaugh, Kasey Bethel, Sabrina Cunnigham.

Sophomores: Haley Harrison, Ashley Koch, Taylor Kenny, Brooke Beal.

Freshmen: Alexis Barnhart, Chelsea Brown, Jana Fenstamaker, Summer Gladman, Niki Kasarda, Zoee Kaurich,, Erica Koch, Shelby Rutter, Alisha Thompson.

Coach’s Comments: “With seven lettermen coming back, we look to improve from last year. We are looking to be very competitive in the Buckeye 8 and also the OVAC.”

EDISON

Head coach Chuck Woodward.

Assistant coaches Ron John Pugh.

2007 OVAC Record: 11-9

Graduated players: None.

Seniors: Ashley Bendle, Kaitlin Blake, Shelby Brenstuhl, Korie Cronin, Presley Cupp, Shelby DiPasquale, Abbi McCoy, Kylie Reighard.

Juniors:Alexis Kunkel, Kortnie Leggett, Courtney Robinson, Johnna Marcino, Emily Urich, Sierra Woodward.

Sophomores: Jess Belli, Chelsea Cozart, Keely Drabick, Samantha Pollock, Alexis Pugh, Abby Slussar, Mycaela Stewart.

Freshmen: Brittany Byers, Kathryn Crowe, Jasmyn Falasca, Ali Glenn, Kayla Prokopakis, Natalie Snyder, Kristin Prokopakis, Jenna Belli.

Team Highlights: Chuck Woodward replaces Dawn Pugh who had enjoyed considerable success at Edison. Woodward takes over a team that did not lose any players to graduation and return a very experienced cast of players. The Lady Wildcats should be one of area teams to beat in ’08.

STEUBENVILLE CENTRAL

Head coach: Kurt Vandeborne

2007 OVAC Record: 5-15.

Graduated players: Gina Leone, Michelle McGuire, Sandra Nassar.

Seniors: Sara Ashmead, Analisa Petrella, Shelby Petrella, Sarah Skiviat.

Juniors: Ali Kuczykowski, Allie Stoddart, Eileen Polsinelli, Rebecca Antonelli, Morgan Morelli.

Sophomores: Zoe Locasio, Brittany Oliver, Toni Jo Teramana.

Freshmen: Hunter Abraham, Megan Blackburn, Danielle Dugan, Mary Kate Krivoniak, Emily Manfresca, Sara Moziejko, Tera Sabitino, Ali Zane.

Team Highlights: Kurt Vandeborne is in his first year at the Lady Crusaders helm, he replaces Christine Antonelli who had a one-year stint at SCC. Central lost just three players to graduation and returns a veteran and experienced squad to the 2008 season.

CALDWELL

Head coach: Natalie Kennedy

Assistant coaches: Stephanie Saling.

2007 OVAC Record: 10-11.

Graduated players: Latisha Clark, Crystal Craycraft, Leann Hesson, Amanda Clark.

Seniors: Erica Starr, Sammie Grady, Kristin Nau.

Juniors: Mariah Schoeppner, Jessica Mettler, Alisha Triplett, Kelsie Leister.

Sophomores: Liz Nau, Katlin Weisand, Emily Cermak, Stacey Mugrage, Katie Lamp.

Freshmen: Chandra Schoeppner.

Coach’s Comments: “I remember coaching these three talented seniors when they were freshmen. I’m very proud of their accomplishments on and of the court and I look forward to their accomplishments yet to come this season. All three seniors display positive leadership and mentoring skills to the underclassmen. Despite our late pre-season start, the 2008 team has set their goals high and they are determined to work hard to accomplish these goals. I have confidence that through their determination, this team will succeed. Coaching this group of multi-talented, hardworking athletes is an honor and privilege.”

BARNESVILLE

Head coach – Nikki McEndree

Assistant coaches – Nicole Anderson, Karen Clouse, Kari Hunkler, Melissa Huntsman, Melissa Dodd, Alisa Burga

2007 OVAC Record: 14-8

Graduated players – Chelsey Keylor, Allie Doan, Megan Barker, Leah Bettinger, Erica Welch

Seniors: Amanda Wahl, Kate Grimes, Kayla Truex, Allison Plumly, Jenna Miller, Samantha Ackerman, Samantha Jefferies, Kim Baker.

Juniors: Brandi Bahmer, MacKenzie Touvelle, Mariah Menges, Aubrey Moore, Leanna Froehlich.

Sophomores: Mariya Fitzpatrick, Christa Bates, Jennifer Clouse, Jessica Clary, Tiffany Bahmer, Heidi Hines, Katy Hickenbottom, Kalee Temple.

Freshmen: Jessica Hunkler, Samantha Jefferies, Samantha Shamhart, Devvun Yager, Sara Moore, Maryanne Warfield, Courtney Miller.

Coach’s Comments: “We return only one starter, but we have have four lettermen. We will be competitive. The team is making improvements each day. This group of girls have been working very hard in practice. Our serving needs to get more consistent. I look for this team to get better as the season goes. Once again, I fill fortunate to have such a nice group of girls to work with. When I don’t have to deal with attitude, it makes my job much easier.”

BRIDGEPORT

Head coach: Bob Krajnyak

Assistant coaches: Kori Rosnick

2007 OVAC Record: 10-12

Graduated players: Morgan Belles, Stephanie Bommer, Molly Morris, Gini Davis, Ashley Armstrong.

Seniors: Tia Butler, Valene Rutan.

Juniors: Rachel Benda, Taylor Biedenbach, Jessica Palmer, Tessa Stanley.

Sophomores: Kasandra Hadzima, Morissa Booth, Melissa Bowers, Ashley Davis, Jenae Vavrock,Amelia Smith, Kyla Civitillo.

Freshmen: Andrea Crupe, Rachel Danielson, Deidra Duncan, Molly Greer, Tiffany Heckathorn, Emily Lipperman, Trisha Moore, Ashley Tomolonis, Kenzie Wright.

Coach’s Comments: “We are very young this year starting four sophomores. We have potential to put the game together and have a successful season. The team is working hard and getting better with each practice.”

INDIAN CREEK

Head coach: Crystal Hammack

Assistant coaches: Kaili Ridgely, Kerri Ferguson, Kristin Ferguson

2007 OVAC Record: 17-5

Graduated players: Emily Tevis

Seniors: Lizzy Williamson, Haley Mays, Ashley DeMattio, Bri Anderson, Molly Edgerly, Erika Collaros.

Juniors: Christina Furda, Morgan Reducha.

Sophomores: Megan Beebe, Taylor Fithen, Emily Mathieu.

Team Highlights: Hammack begins her fourth year at the Lady Redskins’ helm after losing just one player from last year’s 17-5 record club. She returns a veteran cast that includes two-time Distroct 5 honoree Lizzy Williamson and junior Christina Furda, a 2007 District 5, Buckeye 8 and OVAC all-star selectee.

ST. JOHN CENTRAL

Head coach: Donnie Murray

Assistant coaches: Scott Holt

2007 OVAC Record: 16-4

Graduated players: Marissa Hendershot, Caitlin Longstaff, Jessica Uhrich, Jenna Vavra, Sara Wamsley, Lauren Sable, Liarissa Westlake.

Seniors: Lauren Boger, Justene Delman, Brooke Baker, Morgan Manukin, Lakyn McFarland, Brandi Richards, Ginger Woodland.

Juniors: Minka Figura, Andrea Lemasters, Shayna Gilli.

Sophomores: Kerri Broderick, Lexie Ice, Devon Kahl, Ellie LeMasters, Nicole Nolan, Alexis Sharpe, Andrea Timko, Sarah Westlake.

Freshmen: Jill Baker, Devan Carpenter, Laxee Dobrovich, Mariah Pacifco, Brittini Preslin, Lakin Rota, Jaclyn Sable.

Coach’s Comments: “Seven seniors headline a very young and talented team that should keep St. John Central volleyball on the OVAC map for years to come, particularly this year.”

MONROE CENTRAL

Head coach – Troy Baker

Assistant coaches – John Kaiser, Marlena Kress, Casey Marshall, Nikki Baker.

2007 OVAC Record: 23-1

Graduated players – Taylor Jorris, Lindsay Huntsman, Rebecca Pardon, Morgan Ramage.

Seniors: Justine LaFollette, Aleisha Guiler, Carly Davis, Kim Lafferre, Meagan Schumacher, Brittany Dimmerling, Natasha McCammon, Sam Kilburn.

Juniors: Christina Parden, Kayla Ruble.

Sophmores: Melissa Stimpert, Hillary Wilson, Mary Ward, Ashley Kindle, Laken Zwick, Lauren Harmon, Jennifer Hayes, Chelsea Robinson, Alex Kuhn.

Freshmen: Madison Bettinger, Demitra Habib, Kate Fickel, Desaray Lacy, Kayley Stephens, Bethany Brobson, Rebekah Shrock, Rachele Wiley, Jessica Harper, Lyndsie Fortin, Kelsey Parks, Staphany Block, Asia Prickett, Kelly Winland.

Coach’s Comments: “We need to improve on our defense and timing on offense. We have a lot of experience coming back, but are replacing some great seniors.”

BUCKEYE LOCAL

Head coach: Shelby Luther

2007 Record: 2-17

Assistant coaches: Jessica Valesko, Willy Luther

Seniors: Brianna Nameth, Rachel Stuart, Chelsey Belon, Miranda Ronevich, Megan Lecik, Holly Gildow.

Juniors: Melissa Kushner, Jaycee Gotschall, Alyssa Otto, Jessica Frazier, Chelsea Tschappat.

Sophomores: Shayla Czuchran, Brittany Sterling, Taylor Cammer, Carly Bello, BreAnna Caraway, Rachel Rector, Jessi Gardner, Harley Beckett, Danielle Czuchran, Jacee Tester, Allison Yanssens, Lauren Terry.

Freshmen: Tori Nest, Angela Primovic, Brandy Pastpr, Mariah Stock, Ashley Owens, Katie Ledfors, Marley Telek, Sydney Omaits.

Team Highlights: Shelby Luther takes over at Buckeye for Mary Kay Mayle and has the numbers that should bode well for the present and future of the Lady Panthers. Wins have been very few and far between at Buckeye, but Luther’s enthusiasm should help to change that.

RIVER

Head coach: Sarah Smith

Assistant coaches: Shauna Smith, Nicole Modra and Michelle Nelms

Graduated players: Christa Ayers, Carrie McKelvely, Ashley Leek and Tracey Richter

Seniors: Amanda Caretti, Felicity Caretti, Kierstynn Clipner, Chelsea Matusik, Nikkia McCracken, Meagan O’Neil, Epic Wayts, Erika Williams

Juniors: Rachal Beisel, Tiera Brooks, Kelsey Caretti, Telah Ewers, JoBeth Haslam, Lindsay Hendershot, Megan Mahoney, Stevie Saner

Sophomores: Jenny Lawrence, Brianne McCune

Freshman: Leah Abbott, Brittany Conners, Lindsey Goddard, Karah Harmon, Marissa Langsdorf, Maggie Morrow, Stephanie Murdock, Torey Potts, Anna Rufener, Taylor Sterns, Lexy Wells

Team Highlights: Sarah Smith starts her first year at the Lady Pilot with a senior-laden squad that is hoping for a rebound from last year’s two-win season. River graduated four talented players, but return with a group that is strong with upperclassmen, eight seniors and eight juniors. Things could be looking up at River.