Photo/KRISTIN MAZGAJ SHADYSIDE’S Gentry Brown (left) and Union Local’s Torre Kildow are two of the top returning senior volleyball players in the area. Both are coming off impressive junior campaigns. Kildow recently committed to Ohio University to continue her playing career.

Another season of prep volleyball has arrived in the Ohio Valley.

Several schools enter the campaign with high expectations.

While the season officially can open today, it will stretch into early October before the tournament unfolds.

The Ohio Valley Athletic Conference will crown its champions on Saturday, Oct. 15. The semifinals will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

The OHSAA tournament will hold its drawing on Oct. 9 with the tournament opening the following Saturday.

Here’s a capsule look at area teams:

BARNESVILLE — The Shamrocks enter the 2022 campaign with high expectations as they come off a season in which they made huge strides and they lost exactly zero players to graduation.

“We have been working hard in the preseason and have key returning players in all positions,” Barnesville head coach Kimberly Jarrett said. “I have a great group of hard-working athletes. We will be a fun team to watch as long as we have good defense, which will allow us us to get into a quicker offense.”

Leading the way for the Shamrocks are Halle Markovich, who was All-OVAC 3A, District 12, All-Times Leader, All-Valley and All-MOVL; Ava McFarland, who achieved her 1,000th career assist as just a sophomore, Kynlie Cline, Ellie Thompson and Jalyn Skinner. All of those players received an accolade following last season.

Kline, who is seeking her fourth letter, ranked 31st in Ohio with 479 digs from her libero spot.

Other varsity Shamrocks are senior Katelyn Arigoni (OH), Marly Keiser (OH), Blayne Carpenter (DS), Darby Jones (DS), Alyssa Carter (OH), sophomore Lilly Welch (OH), junior Lauren Blon (OH) and sophomore Payton Dudzik (MH).

Comprising the junior varsity squad are sophomores Addyson Keiger (OH), Chaela Smolira (MH), Kylee Powell (OH), Olivia Phillips (OH), Abigail Johnson (OH, S), Alexis Grear (DS) along with freshmen Becklee Oliver (OH), Aubrey Johnson (Libero), Aiva Leasure (OH), Destiny Moore (OH), Asilynne Jendrusik (OH), Abigail Johnson (OH), Alexis Grear (DS), Charlie Wells (DS) and Roselyne Anderson (MH).

Jarrett is being assisted by Karie Hunkler.

BEALLSVILLE — Veteran head coach Jeff Fluharty welcomes back an experienced squad that lost just one player — Alayna Wells — to graduation.

“We have nine returning letter winners and we’re planning to use a nine-player rotation,” Fluharty said. “The girls are working hard in practice and showing a lot of enthusiasm. We want to be competitive with the teams we play and contend for an OVAC championship and do well in the state tournament.”

Leading the way for the Blue Devils are junior Kinley Hughes and sophomore Kaylee Hagan, who were named All-OVAC and All-District 12 Honorable Mention.

Others expected to contribute are juniors Leah Trigg, Grace Perkins and Chloe McCulley along with sophomores Brooke Wells, Breelyn Hudson, Tayla Decker and Addyson Wright. Freshmen Ryanna Wells, Hailey Bable and Carlee Winkler round out the roster.

Fluharty’s coaching staff consists of Sam Burghy and Kayley Nardo.

BELLAIRE — Experience won’t be an issue for the Big Reds and head coach Erica Miller. She welcomes back nine letter winners and six starters from a season ago.

“We had an extremely young team last season with a ton of sophomores and freshmen in the starting lineup,” Miller said. “We went through a lot of growing pains early. This (season) we have a team of experienced veterans who are ready to prove themselves.”

The Big Reds will be led by junior Gianna Schmidt, who returns as one of the top hitters for the Big Reds.

Senior Brooklyn Zonker is another who is primed for a big season, according to Miller. Another key front-row player will be sophomore Zara Harveth at middle blocker.

Two seniors expected to be contributors are Deena Call (Opp) and Emma Applegarth (Opp), while juniors Sidney Rowson (OH), Gracelyn Maupin (setter), Quinn Boyle (OH, Opp), Alexis Morgan (OH, DS), Jadyn Thornton (Opp) are also expected to see court time.

Three sophomores — Ava Marinacci (setter), Rylie Porter (OH, Opp) and Madison Miller (DS) — are also going to log action.

Ticketed for junior varsity action are junior Caitlyn Boyle, sophomores Olivia Weyrick (DS), Liz Rogers-Chilson (DS); freshmen Mya Marinacci (setter), Avery Shaver (setter), Marissa Pacifico (MB), Baylee Hornbeck (MB), Marli WIlliams (OH), Adrianna Leigh (OH) and Calleigh Holt, who is battling an injury.

The lone losses to graduation were Katelyn Hart and Jenna Miller.

Miller’s coaching staff includes: Tayler Cantar (JV), Lindsay Huff (eighth grade) and Kate Fry (seventh grade).

BRIDGEPORT — Tara Carpenter begins her second season with increased numbers and hopes that leads to a turnaround campaign.

The Bulldogs, who finished 2-18 last fall, are led by nine returning letter winners, including Kaylee Bain, who racked up several post-season accolades. Junior Markiee McCormick is also back after being recognized postseason.

The balance of the senior class is Ashlynn Allen, Daijah Smith and Dakota Worwa.

Other junior letter winners are Brooke Stewart, Campbell Kropka and Erica Marling. They’re joined by Christa Nicola and Jayla Finsley.

Three sophomores leading the way are letter winners Josalyn Caner, Vanessa Mullen and Cadence Watts. Also seeking action is Rylee McElroy, Krisalyn Graham, Ta Aliah Coulson, Anna Padgelek and Carson Horvat.

A freshmen class, measuring 10 deep, includes: Alanah Myers, Chloe Cuiksa, Savanah Dubil, Allanah Summers, Hailey Masters, Abbigail Cole, Kaylee Baker, Ava Roberts-Stidd and Cheyenne Selmon.

“We should be a well-rounded team with a ton of experience,” Carpenter said. “We have 14 varsity players and nine lettered. The girls are now learning how to play as a team, communicate and play smart volleyball. There is a lot of talent and depth again this year.”

Graduation claimed Haylee Conaway, Hannah Nolen, Abby Matusik and Sadie Watts from last year’s squad.

Carpenter is being assisted by Hannah Boyer.

BUCKEYE LOCAL — Mary Kay Mayle is excited about her Panthers squad, and who can blame her?

The Panthers have increased numbers and a solid mix of veterans and talented newcomers, which have Buckeye Local feeling optimistic.

“This is the best team I’ve ever fielded at Buckeye Local,” Mayle said. “The players are very athletic and work very hard. It’s been awesome working with these girls. I’m very positive and hopeful about the season.”

Two seniors — Abbey Berze and Jaelee Thompson — lead the way.

The juniors include: Nyja Short (OH), Brynn McKeever (S), Sam Ankrom (L, OH), Pam Kandrach (OH), Morgan Richardson (S), Shayleigh Hornyak (MH) and Jasmine Stewart (OH).

Sophomores vying for time are Maddie Zeroski (MH), Avah Williams (S), Madison Rosset (S), Alyssa Dailey (L, OH), Alison Emfield (MH, OH) and Tatum Walker (MH/OH).

The freshmen in the program are Adrienne Wilson, Samantha Westlake, Karly Koran, Brianna Sellers, Hayleigh Carlier, Harmony Woodford (OH), Kylie Watt (OH), McKenna Halicky (MH) and Brook Kovalski (MH).

HARRISON CENTRAL — The Huskies return six letter winners from a season ago, but head coach Ray Hibbs enters his seventh season trying to find a way to replace one of the area’s premier hitters in McKayla Dunkle.

“We have a nice balance of letter winners and incoming talent,” Hibbs said. “I look for this team to be very competitive and we will be very balanced.”

The Huskies will be anchored by senior libero Maddy Butler. She’ll be joined in the rotation by senior middle hitter Nadia Tweedy, junior outside hitter Danica Rensi, senior opposite Leah Cottrell, senior opposite Kaylin Ledger and sophomore Olivia Tonkovich is expected to take over the setter role because senior Logan Johnson is out with an injury.

The other newcomers vying to contribute are junior Trista Thompson (MH), junior Nessa Culver (defensive specialist), sophomore AnnMarie Corder (MH/OH), junior Julia Doty (OH), sophomore Taylor Nemeth (OH), sophomore Maddie Sedgmer (MH/OH) and sophomore Emma Skinner (DS).

Along with Dunkle and her more than 1,000 kills she took with her, the Huskies must also replace Sarah Touville and Kasey Novak.

MARTINS FERRY — The Purple Riders are entering the new season with a “different dynamic” according to second-year head coach Jaela Koller.

“Last year, we were building, growing and learning ourselves,” Koller said. “I’m truly excited to see these girls take the floor for the first time and see their season progress.”

According to Koller, the ultimate key for the Riders this season is belief.

“I know what these girls can do,” Koller said. “They just need to believe it as well and play to their potential.”

The Purple Riders feature a seven-member senior class, which includes Suzanna Bruney, Jordan Hughes, Riley Doyle, Kaylynn Zinn, Megan Buksa, Lilly Masters and Kelsi Gillespie.

The junior class consists of McKenzie Carte, Sydney Koller, who was All-District 12, All-Buckeye 8 and All Times Leader, last season and Hannah Meeker.

Sophomores Lindsay Best and Tessa Guthrie are expected to make an impact, too.

MONROE CENTRAL — When considering what the Seminoles lost to graduation, some may expect Monroe to regress somewhat. However, 25 players have come out for the team and second-year head coach Jeanette Schwall is as optimistic as ever.

“We have a few (players) who are stepping up and filling the positions of those graduated quickly,” Schwall said. “We have a very young team, primarily an all-freshmen junior varsity squad, but both teams have performed competitively this summer. I am pleased, overall. I am optimistic that if the work continues, we will see success this season.”

Expected to comprise the varsity roster are seniors Danielle Langsdorf, Abby Thompson, Olivia Valkovic, Kynzi Bishop, Hallie Bommer; juniors Kyra English, Ryleigh Winland, Brookelynn Grubb, Riley Bettinger; sophomores Karlie Haslam, Grace Swisher; freshmen Olivia Bettinger, Maclarin Craft and Jacey English.

The junior varsity roster includes: sophomores Riley Zwick, Kensi Hiles, freshmen Caylin Calder, Lorelei Monahan, Kylee Otto, Olivia Earley, Annie Knowlton, Karlyn Steed, Emily King, Zoey McGary and Sydney Bass.

RIVER — Despite losing just one senior from a season ago, Pilots head coach Judi Curtis pointed out her team is still quite young.

The lone loss was Rilyn Haught.

Taking over the leadership role are seniors Chloe Honeycutt and Kyra Cisar. Abbie Lee completes the senior class.

Juniors looking to contribute are Kylie Kendall, Tessa Primm, Easton Dye and Emma Reed. Sophomores inthe mix are Sophie Wagner, Madison Miller, Meighan Straub and Reese Hobbs. The freshmen class includes Avery Griffin, Zoey Fox, Annabel Stalnaker and Kyla Dotterer.

“We are looking forward to the season,” Curtis said. “The girls are very enthusiastic and have worked hard over the summer.”

Curtis is being assisted by Michele Straub.

SHADYSIDE — The Tigers have won the last two OVAC Class 2A titles and head coach Eric Mercer, who is embarking on his fourth season, has identified the key to his team’s success.

“Our success will hinge on our first contacts,” Mercer said of serving and passing. “If we can stay in system, we should have another successful season.”

The Tigers, who lost key contributors such as Caroline Mercer and Paige Gorby along with Kayla Kryah, Natalie Jendrusik and Kaylee Reineke, have four starters coming back.

Included on that list is one of the area’s premier players in senior hitter Gentry Brown. She was named OVAC 2A player of the year last season after a campaign in which she produced an eye-popping 361 kills, 215 digs, 47 aces and 26 blocks.

She’ll be joined by senior Bayleigh Harman, junior Macy Hendershot and junior Janelle Greenwood.

The balance of the varsity roster includes: senior Mady Violet, juniors Abby Gorrell, Grace Klug, sophomore Josey Greenwood, freshmen Sophie Boltz, Aubrey Nippert and Ali Weatherson.

Ticketed primarily for junior varsity duty are junior Lindsay Whitaker, sophomores Gianna Donaldson, Sam West, freshmen Aubreigh Barton, Lindsay Jobes, Hayleigh Shearer, Alivia Zdunczyk, Jocey McVay, Gabby Kosko and Emily Pastrano.

Mercer is being assisted by Kenzie Fielding.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — After Christa Truchan yielded the coaching reins following a successful tenure, David Williamson has been hired as the new head coach at St. Clairsville.

He inherits a team that lost seven seniors to graduation and has just three 12th graders on this squad.

“Losing seven seniors is definitely a huge impact on the team,” Williamson said. “Our juniors and seniors have really stepped up their leadership roles on the team, and I believe Coach (Cheyenne) Flowers and I have created a good environment for the girls to learn and grow. We’re looking forward to the season and seeing what the girls can do.”

The Devils are led by seniors Katlyn Gray (MB), Emma Jackson (DS/OH) and Abby Salisbury (DS).

The juniors expected to contribute at the varsity level are Brooke Biancarelli (OH), Rachel Finnical (S), Jenna Gorza (DS) and Makenna Moran (MB).

Sophomores on the varsity are Ella Carpenter (OH/MB), Victoria Escarcega (OH/DS), Aaliyah Kidd (L/S/DS) and Kentleigh Reed (OH/MB).

Ticketed for junior varsity action are sophomores Noel Habig (MB), Harlee Owens (OH/MB) and Addison Wood (OH/DS) along with freshmen Taylor East (DS), Mackenzie Jackson (OH/S), Helene Landon (OH), Selah May (OH), Kaylize Shepherd (DS) and Hailey Swierkos (S/OH).

UNION LOCAL — The piece seem to be in place for the Jets to have a season to remember this fall. However, head coach Kaye Sechrest knows nothing will come easy for her veteran-laden team.

“The girls have worked extremely hard in the weight room and in open gyms,” Sechrest said. “Many of the girls play volleyball year round as well as other sports. They’re an extremely competitive group. The coaching staff and community has high hopes for a successful and extended season.”

The Jets will be led by senior standout Torre Kildow, who is coming off an All-Ohio campaign. She earned a myriad of honors and earlier this summer, she committed to continue her volleyball career at Ohio University.

Fellow seniors Kelly Gress and Emmy Kellaway are coming off solid 2021 seasons.

The junior class includes Julie Broussard, Alex Koscoe, Alli Briggs and Lydia Lash.

Three sophomores expecting to make an impact are Ella Pietranton, Olivia Wortman and Emma Yager.

Talented freshman Laken Vinskovich is also expected to be a significant contributor.

The balance of the roster, which is expected to comprise the junior varsity squad, includes sophomores Teegan Day, Myah Ellis, Alayna Logan, Mia Rinkes, Hayden Scott, Kennedy Utter, freshmen Brooklyn Burley, Delaney Butler, Alli Kellaway, Myah Martin and Camryn Uscio.

The Jets will have to find a way to replace the graduated Alleigh Cheatham, Baylee Rex and Keira Gregor.

Sechrest’s coaching staff includes: Julie Kildow, Karen Gress, Lori Bundy Bolon and Amanda Case.