File Photo UNION LOCAL’S Casey Kildow returns as one of the area’s top players. She helped guide the Jets to a 22-2 season in 2019.

Though many changes are in store as schools and teams deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, volleyball season ramps up this week as all area teams prepare to begin their seasons.

Some teams got their campaigns going as early as last Friday when the OHSAA formally allowed volleyball to begin.

Volleyball was cleared as a non-contact sport to proceed before last Tuesday’s announcement from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine that other fall sports could move forward, too.

However, many changes have been made, including no pre or post-game hand shakes, the coin flip before the match will be different and the teams will not switch benches with each set as they’ve done in the past. The OHSAA is also allowing the players to stand in the bench area, which has never been permitted at the high school level.

On the court, the area teams have their sights set on qualifying for the OVAC Tournament, which is slated to open on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and the championship matches in all five classes will once again be staged at Union Local on Oct. 17.

Here’s a look at the area schools which returned their information:

BARNESVILLE — Plenty of growing pains were experienced in Kimberly Jarrett’s first season at the helm of the Shamrocks program.

However, with six letter winners back from a 5-17 season, the Shamrocks are looking to take a step forward.

“Returning six letter winners gives us a good nucleus and foundation that will support our offense and defense,” Jarrett said. “Every girl on these rosters has been dedicated and working hard throughout the offseason and pre-season. We are proud that each girl has improved and our girls have shown up with a great worth ethic daily. We are looking forward to a full and healthy season.”

Leading the way for the Shamrocks is senior Rylee Stephens who was an All-District 12 and All-Times Leader selection.

Seniors Grace Detling and Kenzie Kaplet are also back in the mix. Two juniors expected to contribute are Keirsten Adams and Olivia Fisher along with sophomore Kynlie Cline.

Others on the varsity roster are senior Kiera Zitzman, sophomore Marly Keiser, Halle Markovich, Darby Jones and freshman Ava McFarland.

Ticketed for reserve action are Elly Castello, Alyssa Carter, Katelyn Arigoni, Jalyn Skinner, Ellie Thompson, Lauren Blon, Madelyn Schaffer.

Barnesville lost Josie Burkhart, Madison Detling, Ashlyn Gordon and Dani Meyers to graduation.

BEALLSVILLE — The Blue Devils lost a valuable trio in Ashley Howell, Ashlie Louden and Jadyn Gabel to graduation, but Coach Jeff Fluhart’s cupboard is far from bare.

Helping to ease the transition is a six-member senior class that includes three-year starter Cheyenne Riley, who will play at middle hitter. Another middle hitter is Makenna Phillips, while Trinity Abbott is a setter and Harley Nalley is an outside hitter. Taylar McCulley will serve as the libero and Kileigh Darby is an outside hitter.

Juniors in the mix are Alayna Wells (OH) and Najea Holt (MH). Sophomore Hallie Bommer is expected to miss the season with a knee injury sustained during hoops last winter. The other sophomore is outside hitter Emily Crooks.

Freshmen looking to contribute are Kinley Hughes (setter), Chloe McCulley (setter), Leah Trigg (setter) and Grace Perkins (middle hitter).

“Replacing Ashley and Ashlie will be very tough, but everyone is working hard at practice and our goal is to be competitive and win as many games as possible,” Fluharty said.

BELLAIRE — Erica Miller begins her third season at the helm of the Big Reds with a squad that must find a way to replace four starters and six seniors from a club that finished 5-18.

“We are very young and inexperienced,” Miller said. “We will rely heavily on the leadership of our two seniors.”

Bryanna Beckett returns at setter and Jayden Lowe, who Miller called her team’s most improved player, is back at outside hitter.

Juniors looking to make an impact are Jenna Miler (libero), Katelyn Hart (middle blocker), Georgia Schybal (outside hitter) and Jessie Sawinski (defensive specialist).

Sophomores Denna Call (opposite), Taylor Rife (outside hitter), freshmen Gianna Schmidt (middle blocker), Allie Ault (outside hitter), Gracelyn Maupin (setter), Sidney Rowson (libero) and Alexis Morgan (utility) will all be part of the varsity squad.

The junior varsity team will include sophomore Joeline Fillinger, Abby Craig, Emma Applegarth, Miracle Honeycutt, Majestic Jackson, Quinn Boyle, Caitlyn Boyle and Kiernan Porter.

“What our younger players lack in experience, they make up for work ethic,” Miller said. “This is definitely a team that will push each other the entire season and continue to make each other better every day.”

The Big Reds lost Tenley Hughes, Heather Mehlman, Addie Conroy, Kaitlyn Kosky, Madison Taylor and Madison Hotlosz to graduation.

BRIDGEPORT — The Bulldogs are experiencing a youth movement after seven key contributors completed their high-school eligibility last season.

As Kristin Mazgaj begins her third season, she welcomes back a roster that features just three seniors and two juniors, meaning a large group of freshmen and sophomores will be counted on for significant action.

“Losing seven kids, all of whom started, to graduation puts us in the position of having a blank slate to build with a young and talented team,” Mazgaj said. “At the beginning of the summer, we discussed our goals and these ladies have big goals, so we always set those as our expectations. For being a young group, they still work incredibly well together and I believe they’ll have some big games once those initial nerves are shaken off.”

Leading the way for the Bulldogs is sophomore Emmi Felton, who earned a letter a season ago. According to Mazgaj, she “takes charge on the court and seeks to motivate her teammates in a way that’s much more mature than her age.”

The seniors are Hannah Graham (defensive specialist), Brooklyn Edgell (defensive specialist) and Sarah Bloom (defensive specialist).

Juniors looking to contribute are Haylee Conaway and Kallie Long.

Along with Felton, other sophomores include Daijah Smith (right side hitter), Brooklyn Zonker (middle hitter), Kaylee Bain (opposite hitter), Ashlynn Allen (outside hitter) and Korynne Canter.

Freshmen on the varsity roster are setter Markiee McCormick, Campbell Kropka (libero) and Aubrey Summers.

Ticketed for jayvee duty are juniors Abbey Matusik, Hannah Nolen, Dakota Worwa, freshmen Brooke Stewart, Christa Nicola, Erika Marling and Kaitlin Hunt.

“When we play at the level we’re capable of, we are very balanced from setting and hitting to defense to depth on the bench,” Mazgaj said. “Each girl has worked hard since we’ve started open gyms to keep the program rolling and we’ll continue to do the same once the regular season begins.”

The aforementioned graduation losses include: Danielle Bradac, Jaida Kusic, Megan Perdok, Kayleigh Roberts, Sierra Simeth, Jessa Stockwell and Maura Tiber.

BUCKEYE LOCAL — Lisa DiBias takes over at her alma mater hoping to instill a new level of excitement.

“Even though I am a first-year (head) coach, I’ve been with this group of seniors since they were freshmen,” DiBias said. “This senior class works well together and trusts each other on the court. Between the seniors and the experience of our two juniors, I think we could have a winning season.”

The seniors DiBias speaks of include Landy Walker (left side hitter), Regan Hunter (middle hitter), Abbey Kinyo (setter, right side hitter) and Megan Valuska (left side hitter).

Three juniors expected to contribute are Alexa Williams (setter, right side hitter), Adrianna Blazeski (back row passer) and Kassidy George (libero).

Sophomore Abbey Berze (hitter and passer) is also expected to log varsity action.

The junior varsity roster includes: junior Kylie Gura, sophomores Jaelee Thompson, Emily Valuska, Janyah Winters, Kenna Case, Jesse Vitek, freshmen Karalyne Hunter, Sam Ankrom, Shayleigh Hornyak, Brynn McKeever, Pam Kandrach and Morgan Richardson.

BUCKEYE TRAIL — The Warriors enjoyed a strong 2019 season which included winning the OVAC Class 3A title. However, head coach Wendy McVicker, who is embarking on her third season at the helm, must find a way to replace Samantha Canner, who is now playing at Division I Western Kentucky and three other seniors.

Trail, which is traditionally one of the area’s top volleyball programs, will be led by two seniors — Sierra Gregor (DS) and Sidney Beaver (S).

A quality junior class includes Gabby Hughes (S), Sydney Morris (S), Ava Tank (MH) and Kortnee Ayers (OH).

Two sophomores — Kaydence Starr and Josie Creighton — are also expecting to contribute.

The junior varsity roster includes: senior Maria Adams (MH), sophomores Kamden Oldson (S), Charley Rapol (S), Kylie Snyder (MH), Taylor Bardall (OH), freshmen Jenna Paden (MH), Ally Carpenter (OH), Audrey King (OH), Sydney Winland (OH), Lauren DeVore (OH), Grace Shipe (S) and Felicity Mathers (OH).

Along with being members of the OVAC, the Warriors also compete in the very tough and deep Inter-Valley Conference’s North Division.

“The pre-season has been very productive,” McVicker said. “This year’s team plays scrappy, smart and together. We were not able to scrimmage all summer, but we’ve had a few in August, so I can’t wait to see them in action.”

HARRISON CENTRAL — The Huskies have increased expectations as a solid core of contributors return from a squad that finished 10-13 a season ago.

Coach Sarah Hawthorne begins her seventh season at the helm needing to replace two graduation losses (Kobey Johnson and Maria Roush). However, the Huskies feature a senior class that measures six deep, providing leadership and experience.

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

Leading the way are seniors Becca Banks (outside hitter/opposite), Danyel Beadling (outside hitter), Mallory Birney (DS), Audrey Corder (middle/outside hitter), Kate Crothers (DS/OPP) and Lexi Ferguson (S).

Junior McKayla Dunkle provides height in the middle as a hitter. Sophomores in the program are Maddy Butler (L), Lizzy Clelland (MH), Leah Cottrell (OH), Logan Johnson (OH) and Nadia Tweedy (Opp).

Two freshmen have earned a varsity spot. They are Allie Corder (S) and Danica Rensi (Opp/MH).

Ticketed for javee duty are sophomores Brooke Heavilin (DS), Kayln Ledger (MH), freshmen Nessa Culver (L), Naturelle Curtis (DS), Julia Doty (DS/Opp), Alex Dray (DS), Infinity McFarland (MH) and Trista Thompon (MH/Opp).

“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 are excited about,” Hawthorne said.

MARTINS FERRY — Jennifer Olson begins her second season at the helm with a relatively young squad that features a varsity roster of just two seniors and nary a junior.

The Purple Riders, who finished 4-19 a season ago, will be led by senior middle hitter Ava Doyle. She’ll be complemented by classmate Shelby Thomas, who will work as a setter.

A large sophomore class expected to make a varsity contribution are Suzanna Bruney (back row passer), Rylie Doyle (librero), Lakyn Goff (outside hitter), Jordan Hughes (outside hitter), Lilly Masters (middle hitter), Kelsi Gillespie (back row passer) and Megan Buksa (setter).

Three freshmen expected to see varsity action are Hannah Meeker (setter, outside hitter), Sydney Koller (outside hitter and back-row passer) and Mackenzie Carte (outside, middle hitter).

Ticketed primarily for jayvee duty are sophomores Reana Simpson (middle hitter), Kaylynn Zinn (middle hitter), freshmen Maria Collette (outside hitter), Lexi Dobson (backrow passer), Ashlynn Smith (backrow passer), Laci Zinn (backrow passer), Faith Smith (middle hitter).

“I feel that we have a very strong, but young team again,” Olson said. “I am excited to see how they play together and expect to see more wins this year. I expect the girls to get over the hump in close matches and pull out the win. Ava will be a very strong hitter as well as the two freshmen (Meeker and Koller) joining the team. I have an abundance of back-row passers who will be a great asset to assist with the strong hitting.”

MONROE CENTRAL — The Seminoles had a strong 16-8 season in 2019 and now Troy Baker’s team, which lost five players to graduation, has high expectations once again.

“We still have a young group, but they all earned some valuable time last year,” Baker said. “We have to replace our two top kill leaders, but we want to make the OVAC (Tournament) and win our newly formed Mid Ohio Valley League.”

With nary a senior on the team, the Seminoles will be led by a large class of juniors that includes Trista Morris (outside hitter), Alexa Marley (outside hitter/setter), Regan Hamilton (outside hitter/setter), Kalista Friday (libero), Lizzie Alleman (outside hitter/setter), Haylyn Hiles (middle hitter).

The sophomores are Kynzi Bishop (outside hitter/setter) and Abby Thompson (middle hitter).

Freshmen expected to contribute at the varsity level are Riley Bettinger (middle/outside hitter) and Kyra English (outside hitter/setter).

Expected to compete at the junior varsity level are sjunior Ciara Woodrum, sophomore Alexis Anthony, Madison Stimbert, Danielle Langsdorf, Nichelle Hall, Olivia Valkovic, Lydia Milan; freshmen Shaylee Burkhart, Brookelynn Grubb, Josie Zwick, Shyann Baker, Ryleigh Winland, Grace Yonak and Jaysa Henthorn.

RIVER — Veteran Pilots head coach Judi Curtis has spent much of her summer trying to figure out exactly how to mesh the pieces she has for her 2020 squad.

“I lost a setter, libero and outside hitter, all of whom were essential players, to graduation, so we’re still working things out,” Curtis said. “We have a young, but very enthusiastic team that’s working very hard. They are a great group of kids who are anxious to have a season.”

River features a large roster of 21 players and only two — Katie Rufener and Emily Taylor — are seniors.

The lone junior on the team is Rilyn Haught. There are 12 sophomores, including Hannah Raper, Ashtyn Lee, Paige Barkes, Abbie Lee, Kami Todd, Alli Wells, Delaney Boger, Chloe Honeycutt, Rylee Knight, Kiley Wagnild, Kiley Kendall and Tessa Polka.

Freshmen on the roster are Kiera Saksa, Easton Dye, Courtney Pittman, Emma Reed, Shaylyn Grether and Trinety Polka.

The players lost to graduation were Allison Bennett, Lacey Cordery and Katie Straub.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Sub .500 seasons haven’t been anything close to a norm for the Red Devils volleyball program. As Christa Truchan begins her 11th season at the helm, a solid mixture of seniors and juniors will be counted on.

“Even though we lost four vital seniors, we have a solid and strong group of returning lettermen and new, young varsity members stepping into those roles,” Truchan said. “I am very excited to see where this team goes. We hope we can see it from start to a traditional finish. These kids have become adaptable in these unprecedented times, which has made them physically and mentally stronger.”

The lone senior on the team is Zoie Zielenski, who will play opposite. The juniors in the varsity rotation are Ella Brak (libero), Lydia Wees (middle), Chloe Biancarelli (setter/outside hitter), Shae Brookover (setter) and Emma Gazdik (defensive specialist).

Sophomores Lauren Wasemann (outside hitter), Abby Salisbury (defensive specialist) and Katlyn Gray (middle) are also vying for significant action.

Expected to see time on the reserve team are sophomore Madison Sadler, Lacy Tuttle, Emma Jackson and Bailey Gallagher. A large class of freshmen includes Jenna Gorza, Brooke Biancarelli, Emma Henry, Rachel Finnical, Hannah Toney, Makenna Moran, Rachel Stewart and Alaina Thornburg.

SHADYSIDE — The Tigers put forth a highly memorable season in 2019, but fell short to Shenandoah in both the OVAC and district title games.

Those defeats have resonated and served as motivation for second-year head coach Eric Mercer’s team, which returns a solid core of players.

Leading the way for the Tigers are seniors Kylie Jo Baker (middle blocker), Tory Hendershot (outside hitter), Baylee Wach (opposite) and Kamdyn Elerick (defensive specialist).

Juniors Paige Gorby (middle blocker) and Caroline Mercer (setter) are also punched into the startling lineup along with sophomore Gentry Brown (outside hitter).

Expected to make a contribution are senior Claire Strickland (outside hitter), senior Emely Blake (defensive specialist) and sophomore Rylie Fulton (outside hitter, middle blocker).

“We’ve been strong offensively and continue to improve on defense,” Mercer said. “I expect a great season from this group and I am looking forward to building on last year’s success.”

UNION LOCAL — The Lady Jets had a season to remember in 2019, but plenty of goals and expectations remain for Coach Kaye Sechrest’s team, which finished 22-2 and lost just one player — Cassie Ray — to graduation.

“This season should be exciting since all of our varsity starters are returning and we have a great cast of supporting players,” Sechrest, who is entering her fourth season with the Jets, said. “Our seniors are taking ownership and being leaders.”

A trio of seniors — Casey Kildow (outside hitter, setter), Lacy Bilyeu (libero) and Chloe Doud (middle hitter) — are in search of their fourth letter. Haley Smith (middle) rounds out the senior class.

Junior Keira Gregor (middle/opposite) is back in search of her third letter, while Baylee Rex (opposite) seeks her second. Alleigh Cheatham (opposite) will also be looking to contribute.

Leading the way in the talented sophomore class are Torre Kildow (setter/outside hitter) and Reagan Vinskovich (middle). Emily Kellaway (defensive specialist/libero) and Kelly Gress (setter/opposite) are also vying for time. Freshman Julie Broussard (libero) is also expected to see time.

Ticketed for jayvee duty are juniors Paige Briggs, Ava Lucas, Jaci Reynolds, sophomores Emily Britton, Mackenzie Murphy, Nia Moore, freshmen Lydia Lash, Alli Briggs, Sydney McFarland, Alex Koscoe, Trista Couch, Brynna Julewein, Ryley Gregor and Kyer Gainer.