MARTINS FERRY — The area high school volleyball season begins in earnest this week and local teams have high hopes for the season.

Monroe Central reached the Sweet 16 for the first time last fall, capping a solid campaign for area squads. Troy Baker, who returns to guide the Seminoles in their bid to return to Lancaster, is one just a few veterans coaches back on the bench this fall.

There are many new faces guiding programs. They include — Erica Miller (Bellaire), Kristin Mazgaj (Bridgeport), Wendy McVicker (Buckeye Trail), Ray Hibbs (Harrison Central), Cindy Archer (Shadyside) and Lisa Schlanz (St. John).

The OVAC semifinals are set for Tuesday, Oct. 9, with all five finals slated for Saturday, Oct. 13 at Union Local High School. Sectional tournaments in Ohio begin the following week, culminating with the state tournament at Wright State University on Nov. 8-10.

Here’s a capsule look at area teams:

BARNESVILLE

Nikki McEndree returns for her 13th season and brings seven letterwinners back with her from a squad that went 14-7.

“I told the girls the ball is in their court and they will determine the outcome of this season,” McEndree said. “If this team is able to give 100 percent at all times and play as a team they should have a very successful season.

Lost to graduation were Astin Skinner, Leah Wells and Chloe Campbell, but the Shamrocks have a trio of three-year letterwinners back in seniors Mya McEndree, Mindi Wehr and Erin Hannahs.

McEndree, a 5-8 setter, earned first team all-district and OVAC last fall after recording 261 digs, 375 assists and 197 points, along with a perfect serve percentage (341/341).

Wehr, a 5-8 middle hitter, was a second team all-district pick after posting 296 kills, 240 digs and 177 points. Hannahs, a 5-2 libero, was charted with 301 dogs and 161 points.

Madison Detling (junior, LH), Mallory Connor (senior, LH) and Lyndsey Burkhart (senior, back row) are two-year letterwinners, with senior LH Shaelyn Showalter having one letter.

Others eyeing playing time include: seniors Savanna Finnical and Kalie Grear, and sophomore Rylee Stephens.

McEndree, who owns a 191-94 career mark, is assisted by Melissa Dodd. Jennifer Castello is Barnesville’s freshman coach, with Sheila McFarland, Heather Willis and Nicole Martin overseeing the seventh- and eighth-grade charges.

BEALLSVILLE

Veteran head coach Jeff Fluharty has three starters back in the fold he believes will aid the Blue Devils’ fortunes this fall.

Leading the pack is senior Olivia Muncy.

“She is a two-year starter and a four-year letterwinner,” Fluharty said. “She will be a hitter and hits very hard and covers the floor well.”

Another senior, two-year starter and four-time letterwinner is Makenzie Perkins. Fluharty praised her hitting skills, too.

Junior Ashlie Louden, who started last year and has claimed two letters, earned first team all-OVAC and second-team all-district accolades in 2017.

“She sets when she’s in the back row and hits in the front row,” Fluharty said. “She’s always on the move and covers the floor well.”

Rachel Campbell and Dagan Hossman were lost to graduation.

“The rest of the starting spots are up in the air,” Fluharty explained. “Our goals are to be competitive with everyone we play.”

Fluharty is assisted by Tori Jarrett and Kaylee Stephens.

BELLAIRE

Erica Miller makes her head coaching debut for the Big Reds and hopes the hard put forth by her team in the offseason will help improve on last fall’s 2-19 record.

“The girls have really worked hard this summer at open gyms and our first week of practice,” said Miller, who replaced Melissa Lahna. “We have made a lot of changes to their style of play and have really pushed them to become better as a team.

“They have responded so well and I am so proud of how hard they are working. I am confident we will be a much more competitive team this year.”

Natalie Stoner and Tenley Hughes are two players Miller is seeking leadership from. Stoner, a senior, will be at outside hitter.

“She is a very athletic player who can basically play anywhere we need,” Miller said.

Hughes, is a junior middle blocker.

“A very smart player,” Miller noted. “We’re expecting her to really grow as a player and take on more roles.”

Others looking to make an impact include Hailee LaMotte, a senior setter; Michaela Flaherty, a senior middle hitter (HM all-OVAC); and Heather Mehlman, a junior outside hitter.

DeAsia Burney (HM all-district) and Cierra Davis (first team all-OVAC) were lost to graduation.

Miller is assisted by Aubrey Ryan, Jaela Koller and Alyson Taylor.

BRIDGEPORT

Kristin Mazgaj is ready to “Embrace the Journey.”

That’s the mantra for this year’s edition of the Bulldogs.

“Not only do we need to gain command of our cohesiveness on the floor, but they also need to become accustom to a new coach’s style, as well,” said Mazgaj, who takes over a team that went 13-10 last year under Ron Kelly.

“So far, the varsity team has a done a great job finding a rhythm on the floor with solid passing, excellent choices on ball movement and strong serves.”

The Bulldogs are led by co-captains and two-year letterwinners Bri Conaway (senior, RH) and Maura Tiber (junior, L).

Mazgaj s also counting on contributions from junior returnees Danielle Bradac (MH)and Jaren Tucker (S), along with juniors Jaida Kusic (DS/RH), Kayleigh Roberts (DS/OH) and Jessa Stockwell (OH). Junior Sierra Simeth(DS) and sophomores Sarah Bloom (L) and Brooklyn Edgell (S) could also figure into the equation.

“As a coaching staff, we look forward to putting the best product we can out on the floor every night and building a volleyball tradition.”

Mazgaj is assisted by Holly Tester, Greg Harkness, Kylee Carpenter and Dulesky.

BUCKEYE LOCAL

Buckeye Local won just one match last year, and second-year Head Coach Lucas Fabry believes many more are on the horizon this fall.

“We showed improvement last season,” he said. “I’m expecting more from these young ladies. We will surprise some teams this year.”

The Panthers have five starters returning. They include seniors Rachel Moore (L) and Cameron Case (DS).

Junior Jenna McAllister (S) is back in the fold, as are Halie Marshall (OH) and Ashley Malechowski (OH).

Also in the mix are seniors Maddie Kujawa (OH), Jailya Green (MH) and Morgan Donley (DS), junior Mary Dagan (MH) and sophomore Abbey Kinyo (S).

Lost to graduation were: Carrie Dill, Maddie Gill, Lillie Windsheimer, Brooklynn Miller and Tory Luyster.

Fabry is assisted by Lisa DeBias, Greta Gazda, Amanda Polanski and Mary Kay Mayle.

BUCKEYE TRAIL

Wendy McVicker takes over for veteran head coach Jeff Beros, but she’s confident the winning tradition will continue.

“We are young and inexperienced at the varsity level, but we have talent and girls that are dedicated to this sport,” McVicker said.

The Warriors lost six starters — Jenni Carmichael, Ashlyn Doudna, Rachel Cesar, Karli Hensley, Abbi Kearns and Alli McVicker. Martha Reitter also picked up her diploma.

Returning is junior Samantha Canner. She played on the right side last fall en route to earning third team all-Ohio accolades.

HARRISON CENTRAL

Harrison Central made great strides last fall, surging to a 13-9 record.

But that roster was mostly depleted by graduation, with the likes of Lyndsey Hennis, Sarah Fink, Emily Moore, Katie Heavilin and Shelby Mitchell picking up their diplomas.

“After graduating five seniors who played the majority of the minutes last season, we are going to be very young this season,” said Ray Hibbs, Harrison Central’s award-winning athletic director, who’s taking the reins of the program for Sarah Hawthorne this year.

“With us being a young team, I look for some growing pains early, but I feel we will improve as the season goes along and be competitive with anyone on our schedule.”

Junior Kobey Johnson (OH/S) is one of the top returnees, along with sophomore Audrey Corder (MH). Corder was honorable mention all-district last year.

Senior Allie Heavilin (OH) will also figure heavily into the Huskies’ plans.

Hibbs is assisted by Kasey Bethel.

MARTINS FERRY

Kyle Metzger continues to bring her style of volleyball to the hilltop as the Purple Riders hope to build on last season’s 4-16 mark.

“This is once again a building year for the Lady Riders,” said Metzger, in her second season. “Some unexpected changes on the roster led to a restructure, but our main goal is to become more competitive within the OVAC and showcase our skills to the best of our abilities.”

Senior Abby Bumbico returns to her left hitter role. She was second in the team in aces last year and third in kills.

“Abby has really shown how dedicated she is to leading the team this year and seems to be very focused on the upcoming season,” Metzger said.

Sophomore Ava Doyle, a middle hitter, paced the team in kills in 2017.

“Though young, Ava is very aggressive in a good way,” Metzger said. “Lots of drive, and I’m very interested in seeing her progression.”

Senior Aubrey Braun, and sophomores Kayla Theaker, Shelby Thomas and Amirah Williams will all have key roles.

Metzger is assisted by Shayla Gilham.

MONROE CENTRAL

It will be hard for Monroe Central to top last season. But the Seminoles will try behind seven returning letterwinners.

Monroe Central went 17-8 a year ago and reached the Sweet 16 before falling to Fairfield Christian Academy in a hard-fought match.

“Experience will be one of our strengths,” Baker, in his 19th season, said. “We did, however, lose our top three kill leaders to graduation and that will be our biggest challenge this year. We need to find players who can put the ball away for us.”

Among the returnees are seniors, and two-timer letterwinners Sydney Yoho and Rymie Bishop. Yoho (L) led the team last year in digs (361), while Bishop (S/OH) was second in assists (63). Senior Elaina Swallow (S/OH) led the team in assists last year (473) and was second in points (197).

JoJo Rodriques (OH), Jocelyn LeMasters (DS/OH) and Kirsten Friday (S/OH) are the other seniors with letters, while classmate Lakelynn Ricer (OH) also looks to contribute.

Juniors vying for playing time are: letterwinner Haven Dick (MH), Amy Bettinger (MH), Sydney Wise (OH/DS), Allee Zwick (OH/S), Alyssa Steed (OH/MH) and Alayna Christy (OH).

Regan Hamilton (S/OH), Kalista Friday (S/OH), Trista Morris (OH), Alexa Marley (OH), Alexa Marley (OH/S), Lizzy Alleman (OH) and Samantha Ritenour (MH) comprise the freshman group.

Baker, who sports a 307-113 career record, is assisted by John Kaiser, Jeannette Schwall and Samantha Schaffer.

RIVER

A strong senior class highlights this edition of the River High volleyball squad, under the direction of fifth-year head coach Judi Curtis.

“I’m optimistic and excited for the season,” Curtis said. “We want to take things one game at a time and work hard as a team.

The Pilots won the Paden City Tournament this summer and were second in the Martins Ferry Summer League and its bracket of the Friendship Cup in Cincinnati.

Seniors providing leadership are — Lauren Flannery (MH), Candace Caldwell (OH), Macey Ladyga (MH), Morgan Mahoney (DS) and Haley Nevins (DS). Flannery was second team all-district and all-Times Leader last season.

Other returning starters are: juniors Allison Bennett (S), Katie Straub (OH), Cortny Sapp (OH) and Lacey Cordery (L).

Myla Ivey, Lindsey Huffman, Katie Rufener and Emily Taylor will provided depth.

Curtis is assisted by Erin Jeffers and Michele Straub.

SHADYSIDE

Cindy Archer steps in as the third head coach in program history and has a plethora of talent to work with.

Five starters return from 2017’s 17-5 squad, one that saw the Tigers’ program continue to grow.

“This season will be a learning experience for me being that this is my first year coaching a varsity roster,” said Archer, who replaced Don Chamberlain. “We are looking forward to a great season with a strong and promising team of five returning starters.”

They are: seniors Macy Coffland (MH), Haleigh Osman (DS), Jillian Joseph (DS) and Haley Esposito (DS), along with junior Riley Brown (MH).

Other players returning are: juniors Sarah Teasdale (OH), Madisyn Stewart (BR), Madison Davis (S) and Jessica Kuhn (OH/DS), and sophomores Kylie Jo Baker (OH) and Baylee Wach (S).

Archer is assisted by Tara Carpenter and Morgan Carpenter.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE

With 26 girls in the program, Head Coach Christa Truchan is expecting “an incredible amount of growth and success” this season.

“We gave a freshman, reserve and varsity team and many will split their time among teams,” said Truchan, who enters her eighth season eight victories shy of 100 for her career. “We have a lot of talent at the freshman level. We had a successful summer and preseason.”

Senior Alexa Binger and junior Keri Klinkoski will serve as middle hitters.

“We expect to see a strong middle offense and defense with our blocking and hitting,” Truchan said. “Both are leaders and bring an energy to our offense.”

Junior Paige Sefick played in Italy this offseason. She’ll play outside.

“Her poise on the court, as well as her dedication and competitiveness, make her a well-rounded player,” Truchan said.

Junior Sydney Porter moves from the middle to the right side.

“She has become a leader through her work ethic in the offseason,” Truchan said of Porter, who also played in Italy this summer.

Others vying for playing time will be Kenzie Schoolcraft (OH), Katie Miller (S), Macie Hothem (DS) and Madison Dagan (DS).

Ari Reager, Madison Vicker and Emily Cramer were lost to graduation.

Truchan is assisted by Melissa Fraleigh, Missy Gossett and Mark Kefalos.

ST. JOHN

Lisa Schlanz is excited to move into a head coaching role at the varsity level. And she’s equally excited about the prospects for the Irish, who lost just one senior in Brooke Palmer.

“Our ladies are working so hard on their skills,” said Schlanz, who replaced Jaela Koller. “We only lost one senior starter, so we can’t wait to see what these ladies show on the floor this season.”

St. John won just one game in 2017 and Schlanz believes the talent is in place for a breakout campaign.

Leading the way are four seniors, headed by Kaylin Nixon. Nixon (OH/MB) earned a spot on the all-OVAC squad last fall, along with picking up honorable mention all-district t. She’ll be joined on the floor by classmates Brandi Graham (MB), Julie Schlanz (OH) and Shay Horvath (S/FR).

Junior Kasi Gillespie (MB) and sophomores Jayden Lowe (FR) round out the returning players.

Sophomore Kaley Bryan (S) will also vie for playing time.

Schlanz is assisted by Samantha Watts.

UNION LOCAL

Goals are high at Union Local as Kaye Sechrest returns for her second season as head coach.

“The girls are working hard as a team, as well as individuals,” she said. “If we avoid injuries and work as a team, we should be competitive.”

The Jets are looking to improve on a 9-12 campaign. Lost to graduation are starters Erin Edwards and Jordan Murphy, along with letterwinners Cassie Lucas, Devian Turner and Kelby McGaffick.

Returning, though, are a strong core of letterwinners poised to make noise.

They include seniors Laryssa Brandon (MB), Emma Knox (S), Alexis Logan (OH) and Sydney Lohr (OH).

Juniors Cassie Ray (DS) and Abby Shepherd (RS) are looking to make contributions, as are sophomores Lacy Bilyeu (L), Chloe Doud (MB/OH) and Casey Kildow (S).

Keira Gregor (MB) is expected to make an impact as a freshman.

Sechrest is assisted by Julie Kildow, Shiann Kolakowski and Sheeanna Kolakowski.