Eastern Hancock’s Sydney Hayes (15) and Alivia Coffin (12) attempt to block a tipped ball by Tri High’s Kenley Conrelius on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021.
The Daily Reporter File Photo
CHARLOTTESVILLE — In replacing graduated seniors, Eastern Hancock volleyball coach Cory Rainbolt is not just looking for players that can be hitters, passers, blockers and setters.
She needs someone that can take charge — vocally.
With the graduation of standout Lili Hunt, playing at Concordia (IL) University, an NCAA Division-III program in Chicago, the Royals lost someone that could hit, pass, block, set and lead.
“She was on varsity for four years,” Rainbolt said. “She had a big voice on the court and we miss that right now.”
It was one of the main things Rainbolt noticed at last week’s scrimmage. Players are coming around with their play on the court, but the new “voice” has yet to be heard.
“I challenged the girls. We have to replace that,” she said. “I need a director out there, so to speak, making sure everyone is getting to their spots and knowing what to do. We haven’t got that person yet. We’re still working on it.”
On the stat sheet, Hunt had 356 kills and a .310 hitting percentage. She led the team in digs (343), service aces (47) and was third in blocks (32).
The Royals lost four seniors from a team that went 20-9 overall and 6-3 in the Mid-Eastern Conference.
Eastern Hancock graduated four seniors. Defensive specialist Megan Retherford is playing at Goshen College. Middle hitter Sydni Bednarski, second on the team in blocks last season, and defensive specialist Bre Taulbee also graduated.
The cupboard is not bare.
The Royals have some talented returning players and some newcomers that are expected to gain valuable varsity experience.
Setter Sydney Hayes had 727 assists a year ago, averaging 8.2 per set. Alivia Coffin, a 5-8 middle hitter, led the team in blocks with 39. Both are seniors.
Junior defensive specialist Brooklyn Willis is another returning starter. Senior Ella Shaw, who can play both outside and right side hitter, is back after missing much of last season due to injury.
“I think we may be a bit more athletic this year,” Rainbolt added. “If we can get the skill behind it, we should be all right.
Sophomore newcomers, Kaitlyn Lowes, as an outside hitter, and Ellie Meyer, as a middle hitter, are expected to contribute. Freshman Hayden Collins is projected to help out in the back row.
Junior Sydney Springman returns to the lineup after breaking her ankle in last year’s alumni scrimmage.
“She’s got some spring to her,” the coach said. “Once we get her back in the swing of things. She is going to be a great asset for us.”
The Royals are 2-2 in the early season. They went 2-1 at Saturday’s Morristown Invitational and lost Monday against North Decatur.
They are back on the court Thursday with a 6 p.m. home match against Cambridge City Lincoln.
