MARTINS FERRY — The high school volleyball season begins today across the area and all squads hope to serve up a competitive campaign.

Harrison Central and Union Local get the season under way this afternoon with a match in Cadiz — the first inside the new Harrison Hills school.

The OVAC championships are set for Saturday, Oct. 12 at Union Local High School. Ohio sectional play begins that following week.

The following are capsules on area teams based on information provided by coaches:

BARNESVILLE

Kimberly Jarrett takes over for the retired Nikki McEndree and inherits a squad that returns four letterwinners from a team that went 19-4 and reached the district semifinals.

“Since Day 1, with the new coaching staff, the girls in our program have been showing up and working hard,” said Jarrett, who’s spent time as a club coach prior to taking the Barnesville job — her first prep head coaching position.

“We have improved throughout the summer and are looking forward to the season.”

In addition to losing McEndree, the Shamrocks also need to replace the production lost from the graduation of Mya McEndree, Mindi Wehr, Erin Hannahs and Kalie Grear.

Mya McEndree was the District 12 Player of the Year and captain of the all-Times Leader squad. Wehr also earned first team all-district accolades.

Senior Madison Detling returns. She’s earned three letters and was an honorable mention all-district selection last fall. Seniors Josie Burkhart and Ashlyn Gordon, and junior Rylee Stephens are the other returning letterwinners.

Other names in the mix for playing time this year include — Kynlie Cline, Olivia Fisher, Keirsten Adams, Morgan Winters, Grace Detling, Kaitlyn Roe, Kinzie Kaplet and Dani Meyers.

“We want to see the girls be dedicated and stay committed to getting better each day,” Jarrett said. “I believe we will continue to get better and be competitive with our opponents.”

Jarrett is assisted by Karie Hunkler.

BEALLSVILLE

Jeff Fluharty believes he has a solid nucleus in place as he returns for another season as the head coach at Beallsville.

“Our main goal is to be competitive with the teams we play,” he said.

Returning letterwinners are Ashlie Louden, Cheyenne Riley, Makenna Phillips, Jayden Gabel, Harlie Nalley and Ashley Howell.

Louden led the Blue Devils in assists and kills as a junior. Riley and Phillips will both be hitters, while Howell returns to the squad after sitting out last fall. She’ll be counted on to hit and block. Fluharty said Nalley will likely serve as a libero.

Younger players in the mix include — junior Trinity Abbott, sophomore Alayna Wells and freshman Hallie Bommer.

Olivia Muncy, Makenzie Perkins, Caity Clary and Nicki Rase graduated.

Fluharty is assisted by Tori Jarrett and Kayley Nardo.

BELLAIRE

Six seniors bolster a Bellaire lineup this fall, and that has second-year head coach Erica Miller eager to get the season underway.

“I think this team can compete with every team on our schedule,” Miller said. “It will be up them to come out every game ready to play their best.”

The Big Reds went 8-14 last fall, but Miller has seen growth up and down the roster and believes it will translate into improved play.

“This team has grown a lot in the past two years,” Miller said. “They are a lot more confident this year. And with six seniors, hopefully, that will benefit us in close games.”

Bellaire has five returning letterwinners, three of whom played significant roles last season.

Tenley Hughes is a senior middle blocker.

“She is a very intelligent player and our most experienced,” Miller said of Hughes, who was second on the team last year in kills and blocks and third in digs.

Heather Mehlman will fill an outside hitter role.

“Heather is a hard worker who is always trying to make herself a better player,” Miller said of the senior.

Jenna Miller, a sophomore, is a libero.

“She is so quick,” Coach Miller said of the youngster. “We moved her from setter to libero this year. I can’t wait to see how she progresses in her new position.”

Others looking to break into the lineup are — seniors Madison Taylor (DS) and Maddie Hotlosz (DS), juniors Bryanna Beckett (S) and Jayden Lowe (OH) and sophomore Katelyn Hart (MB).

Michaela Flaherty, Natalie Stoner and Haileigh LaMotte graduated.

“We lost our leaders in basically every statistical category from last year,” Coach Miller said. “We don’t have one or two dominant players, but I think we’re much more well-rounded than last year.”

Miller is assisted by Amber LaMotte, Alyson Taylor and Amanda Collins.

BRIDGEPORT

After losing just one letterwinner (Bri Conaway) from last year, second-year Bridgeport head coach Kristin Mazgaj is excited about her team’s prospects of rebounding from a 3-20 campaign.

“Nine seniors is a wonderful thing to have,” she said. “You’re going to have a great leadership base and I can’t wait to see what the season holds for them.”

Danielle Bradac leads the group. She was the team MVP last season, along with being District 12 honorable mention and all-Times Leader.

“She’s a coach’s dream at middle,” Mazgaj said. “She’s what everyone wants in a player, naturally talented, coachable and really puts the underclassmen under her wings to make them better.”

Kayleigh Roberts also earned honorable mention all-district.

“Kayleigh is our quiet leader. She’s incredibly effective at strong-side hitting and brings everyone together without having to say a lot.”

Sierra Simeth, Jessa Stockwell, Jaida Kusic, Megan Perdok and Maura Tiber, a defensive standout, also return.

“Maura is a player you need because you know she’s going to be (in the right place) when the ball is hit,” Mazgaj said. “You can count on her every single time.”

Mazgaj is excited about freshmen Emmi Felton, Korynne Canter and Kaylee Bain. The head coach said those girls “have a lot of talent and are looking to make an impact.”

“We really started to mesh well together in July and want to carry that momentum into the season,” Mazgaj said. “The team looks to do big things and finish better than our showing last year.”

Mazgaj is assisted by Samantha Ivan, Bri Conaway and Kamden Dulesky.

BUCKEYE LOCAL

Lucas Fabry begins his third season at Buckeye Local with five letterwinners seeking to improve on the Panthers’ 4-16 mark in 2018.

“My expectations are sky high,” Fabry said. “These young ladies are going to surprise some teams this year. We have had five wins in the last five years. I believe we can blow that total away this season.”

Anchoring the lineup is three-year letterwinner Jenna McAllister, who has been the team leader in sets since her sophomore year and varsity starter all four years.

The Panthers have one two-year letterwinner in senior Ashlee Malechowski.

Senior Mary Dagan, juniors Abbey Kinyo and Landyn Walker, and sophomore Alex Williams have all earned one letter. Dagan, who was all-OVAC and Buckeye 8 last season, led the team in blocks and kills in 2018.

“We seem to always lack height,” Fabry said of a challenge Buckeye Local will face. “We only have two players over 5-7. However, we still have plenty of young ladies that put power behind their attacks and serves.”

Megan Valuska, Kaylee Miles, Mallory Kukawa and Kassidy George should all see varsity time this fall, according to Fabry.

“The team works hard and is extremely dedicated to improving as players,” Fabry said.

Fabry is assisted by Lisa Didas Greta Gazda-Row, Mary Kay Mayle and Amanda Polinski.

BUCKEYE TRAIL

Buckeye Trail boasts seven returning letterwinners as Wendy McVicker begins her second season at the helm of the Warriors.

McVicker, a longtime coach in the program, took the reins last fall after the retirement of longtime head coach Jeff Beros. The Warriors went 14-10 in 2018.

“We had a very young and inexperienced team last year,” McVicker said. “Now, we have experience. I am excited about the growth that I have seen in each player.

“This team never gives up. (The players) have so much drive and so much fight in them to win.”

Leading the way for Trail is senior Samantha Canner. The Western Kentucky commit set the single-season school mark for kills last season with 440 en route to claiming first team all-District 12 honors and second team all-Ohio accolades.

Junior Sidney Beaver returns after registering 616 assists and earning second team all-district plaudits. Classmate Jessi Carmichael had 2-9 points and 51 aces last fall.

Seniors Madison King (first team all-district), Katie Clipner and sophomores Ava Tank and Sidney Morris are the remaining returning letterwinners.

Senior Joley Wildes and sophomores Kortnee Ayers, Hannah King and Gabby Hughes will all be competing for playing time.

Alauna Butler and McKenzie Wells were lost to graduation.

We’re just going to play to our potential and be as successful as we can be,” McVicker said.

McVicker is assisted by Alexandria McVicker, Jamie Miller and Martha Reitter.

HARRISON CENTRAL

Sarah Hawthorne returns to the bench this season after taking a year’s hiatus to tend to her ever-growing family at home.

Entering her sixth season, she inherits a squad that went 6-17 under the guidance of Ray Hibbs.

Eight letterwinners are in the fold for the Huskies, who open ed the season Saturday against Union Local in the first varsity game inside the new Harrison Central school.

“We are really looking forward to this season,” Hawthorne said. “The girls have been working hard and putting the time in during the offseason.

“We have many players in new positions this year, but this is a great group of girls who are willing to do what the team needs of them, which we’re excited about.”

The Huskies have two senior letterwinners back in Kobey Johnson (OH) and Maria Roush (OH).

Hawthorne is excited about the group of junior letterwinners that includes — Lexi Ferguson (S), Danyel Beadling (OH/DS), Audrey Corder (MH), Kate Crothers (DS/OH), Shae Saffell (DS) and McKayla Dunkle (MH).

Others players eyeing playing time are — senior Felicity Freese (OH), junior Becca Banks (OH) and freshman Lizzy Clelland (MH) and Maddy Butler (DS/OH).

Harrison Central lost one letterwinner — Allie Heavlin (OH).

“This is a hardworking team that gets after it in practice each and every day and each player is willing to do whatever the team needs of them.”

Hawthorne is assisted by Kasey Bethel, Lyndsey Hennis and Emily Moore.

MARTINS FERRY

Jennifer Olson assumes the reins at Martins Ferry and aims to have the Purple Riders a force in the Buckeye 8 again.

“I am very excited to see what these ladies can do this year,” she said. “This will be a building year since we are so young.”

The Purple Riders are anchored by three returning letterwinners — Ava Doyle, Kayla Theaker and Shelby Thomas. Doyle is in her third year, with Theaker and Thomas in their second.

Olson is also expecting Suzanna Bruney, Jordan Hughes, Rylie Doyle and Lakyn Goff to play big roles this fall.

“They are a great group of girls who are working very well together,” she said. “Their play level is coming along nicely and I expect great things from this young team.”

Olson is assisted by Brian Olson.

MONROE CENTRAL

Competition is the big word at Monroe Central, where Troy Baker begins his 20th season with 316 career victories.

Baker is enthused by his three senior letterwinners — Haven Dick, Allee Zwick and Amy Bettinger. Dick (MH/OH), a two-time letterwinner had 87 kills last year and is the lone letterwinner remaining from the Seminoles’ 2017 regional appearance.

Bettinger (MH/OH) paced the team last year with 131 kills. Zwick will be one of the team’s two setters.

Sydney Wise (OH/L) and Alayna Christy (OH) are the other seniors.

Letterwinner Trista Morris guides a sizable sophomore class. She had 171 digs and 113 kills last year.

Rounding out the sophomore class are — Alexa Marley (S/OH/MH), Kalista Friday (OH/L), Regan Hamilton (OH/S), Samantha Ritenour (MH), Elizabeth Alleman (OH/S) and Haylyn Hiles (MH/OH).

Baker is eager to see what his promising freshman class can do. That group includes — Kynzi Bishop (S/OH/MH), Abby Thompson (MH/OH), Olivia Valkovic (S/OH), Alexis Anthony (S/OH), Danielle Langsdorf (OH), Nichelle Hall (OH), Madison Stimpert (OH), Lydia Milam (MH/OH) and Felicity Good (OH).

“We have a lot of competition for many spots, which is always a good thing,” Baker said. “We hope to get better everyday.”

Baker is assisted by Jeannette Schwall, Taryn Burkhart, Kaleigh Marley and John Kaiser.

RIVER

Judi Curtis enters her sixth season as head coach at River tasked with replacing four key cogs of last season’s 12-7 squad — Lauren Flannery, Candace Caldwell, Macey Ladyga and Hailey Nevins.

“I am very optimistic,” she said. “I am looking forward to a good season and working as a team.”

In the mix this fall will be — seniors Allison Bennett (S), Lacey Cordery (L) and Katie Straub (OH), along with junior Myla Ivey (MH).

Curtis is assisted by Erin Jeffers and Beth Raper.

SHADYSIDE

Eric Mercer, the former East Richland Christian bench boss, is currently interim head coach for the LTs.

After working with the former coaching staff in a volunteer role, Mercer is excited to get to work with what returns from a squad that won a regular-season OVAC title last year and finished 23-3.

“We have been strong offensively and continue to improve on defense,” he said. “I expect a great season from this group and am looking forward to watching them grow as people, players and a team.”

Mercer said Shadyside has a “deep and balanced roster” led by returning senior starters Madison Davis (S), Sarah Teasdale (OH) and Riley Brown (MB).

In addition to three returning starters are seniors Jessica Kuhn (RS), Alexandria Gregan (OH), Kaylee Savage (OH) and Madisyn Stewart (OH); juniors Lexi Antill (OH), Kylie Jo Baker (MB), Kamdyn Elerick (DS), Tory Hendershot (OH) and Baylee Wach (RS/S); and sophomores Paige Gorby (OH) and Caroline Mercer (L).

ST. CLAIRSVILLE

Christa Truchan begins her 11th season at St. Clairsville with six letterwinners returning from an 11-9 squad.

Paige Sefsick and Sydney Porter are the seniors.

“She was our leader in kills and digs and will continue in her outside hitter role this year,” Truchan said. “Paige is a solid player all around, including her serving.”

In Porter, Truchan has a player that led the Red Devils in blocks last fall.

“We expect to see her numbers rise,” she said. “She also put in a great offseason.”

Junior Kenz Schoolcraft is another letterwinner, along with sophomores Alexis Thoburn and Chloe Biancarelli.

Seniors Maddie Dagan and Alexis Hines also return.

Newcomers this fall include junior Zoie Zieinski and sophomores Lydia Wees, Shae Brookover and Ella Brak.

“I really like their attitudes and their goals of improving in all areas from last year,” Truchan said.

Truchan is assisted by Melissa Fraleigh and Missy Gossett.

ST. JOHN CENTRAL ACADEMY

Lisa Schlanz returns to the bench this fall at St. John Central, which is now St. John Central Academy.

“The greatest gift a coach can receive is a team of outstanding ladies who deeply care for each other,” Schlanz said. “I am blessed this year.”

The Irish return three letterwinners — senior Kasi Gillespie (MH) and juniors Kyla Kull (S/RH) and Elizabeth Schnegg (L). Schnegg was honorable mention District 12 last year.

“Every one of these ladies want to be the best they can be to play this sport,” Schlanz explained. “They are such a wonderful group and they truly enjoy being with each other everyday.”

Junior Emily Skeeketski (OH) is also back in the fold. Others seeking playing time include — junior Danniele Yaegel (RH), sophomores Halie Henderson (MH/OH) and Cora Metz (MH), and freshman Kelsi Gillespie (S/RH).

“We are rebuilding this program with only three experienced ladies returning,” Schlanz noted. “We are taking little steps to get our goal of a team that can work together in a way that makes it fun to play.”

Brandi Graham, Kailyn Nixon, Shaylyn Horvath and Julie Schlanz were lost to graduation.

Schlanz is assisted by Linda Metz.

UNION LOCAL

Kaye Sechrest has four goals in mind as she sets to lead Union Local into action for the third year today at Harrison Central.

“No. 1, we want to improve each match,” she said. “No. 2 is improve our communication on the floor. No. 3 is make the OVACs. And, No. 4, move forward in the state tournament.”

The Jets finished 11-12 last season and return five letterwinners — senior Cassie Ray, juniors Casey Kildow, Lacy Bilyeu and Chloe Doud, and sophomore Keira Gregor.

Ray will see time in the back row, while Kildow will look to build on a campaign in which she earned first team all-district and all-Times Leader honors.

“She is an all-around good player, smart player and works hard in the weight room,” Sechrest said of Kildow.

Bilyeu, a libero, was honorable mention all-district in 2018.

Other returning players include — Parri Gatten, Skylar Perez, Haley Smith, Baylee Rex, Alleigh Cheatham, Paige Briggs and Ava Lucas. eager to crack the lineup are — Torre Kildow, Reagan Vinskovich, Kelly Gress, Emily Kellaway, Emily Britton, Mackenzie Murphy, Sydney Martin and Keiarah Paulick.

“Our biggest challenges will be communication on the floor and minimizing the little mistakes that can change the game in the other team’s favor,” Sechrest said.

Sechrest is assisted by Julie Kildow, Isabelle Harr and Alyssa Strope.