Dragons to rely on Morris girls, Qualkinbush

New Palestine

LAST SEASON: 20-12, 3-4 HHC

Lost in 4A Sectional 13 semifinal to Greenwood

KEY PLAYERS (with grade, position):

Rachel Schultz (10) S

Sarah Rominger (12) M/OH

Cianna Speth (12) DS

Jamie Morris (11) OH

Mikayla Little (11) M

Ali Tucker (12) M

Ellen Poetz (11) R/S/DS

Rachel Wernimont (10) OH

Megan Hawley (9) OH/DS

Katie Morris (12) R/S

Maddie Harper (10) M

McKenze Qualkinbush (12) R/S

Head coach: Jerry Saffold (1st season)

New Palestine’s streak of three consecutive 20-win seasons appears to be in jeopardy as the Dragons move on without five seniors from last year’s 20-12 squad, including All-Hoosier Conference picks Emily Curry and Lauren Tieman and all-conference honorable mention Amara Khajenouri.

All-Hancock County honorable mentions Abby Seifert and Megan Riley also graduated, leaving head coach Jerry Saffold with a mostly clean slate in this, his rookie season.

Penii Plunkitt resigned after four years to spend more time with her family, and Saffold jumped into the head coaching gig after a long career as a club coach and Warren Central assistant.

Seniors Katie Morris (right-side/setter) and McKenze Qualkinbush (right-side/setter) and junior Jamie Morris (outside hitters) are the varsity holdovers.

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