ARCHBOLD – Archbold volleyball departs seven letter winners from a team that won a sectional championship in Division III in 2014. They also welcome in first-year head coach Jill Holdgreve, so changes are a plenty for the Blue Streak spikers.
However Holdgreve, who has spent the past eight years as the junior varsity coach at Archbold, still has high hopes for the season.
“Our girls have given a lot of dedication and hard work over the summer,” said Holdgreve. “It has been great watching them come together and succeed. They have a great outlook on what they expect of themselves and each other to make this a successful season.”
The Blue Streaks took another blow when one of their returning letter winners, junior Morgan Miller, suffered an injury and is out for the season.
Returning to action for the Streaks are letter winners Allie McQuade, Alyssa Ziegler and Macey Rupp.
They will have to replace the production left behind by Cassidy Williams (second team All-NWOAL, Natalie Rupp (first team All-NWOAL, Cayla Walker (second team All-NWOAL), Peyton Driver (honorable mention All-NWOAL), Megan Miller (honorable mention All-NWOAL), Erin Erbskorn and Winter Fricke.
The Streaks will look to newcomers Brooke Hines, Maddy Smith, Ellie Rupp, Peyton Dickman, Jillian Schweitzer and Andi Peterson for help in replacing their letter winners lost.
“Graduating seven seniors, we will lack in varsity play experience,” said Holdgreve of her team’s main weakness.
But, with having won a pair of league championships in the last five years, expect the Streaks to battle for a league crown once again.
“The NWOAL will be very competitive again this year,” said Holdgreve. “In the NWOAL, no team can be overlooked. We look to be competitive against great teams.”
Max Householder can be reached at 419-335-2010
