A number of things are pointing to the upcoming volleyball season as a turning point for the Langford Area squad, and Coach Susan Larson is painting an optimistic picture for the Lady Lions.
The first step towards carving out a winning record happens on Tuesday when Larson’s crew hosts Waverly-South Shore. The last time the Lady Lions accomplished that feat was in 2019 when they posted a 23-10 mark.
Larson’s optimism begins with a group of seven seniors that return from a year ago.
“I would say our strong point is definitely our senior leadership,” stressed Larson, who is beginning her 33rd year as the LA head coach. “The girls also have a strong work ethic and mentality and a lot of passion for the game. I also think we’re coming into the season with maybe a little more drive than we have had some years.”
Returning senior starters from last year’s 11-21 squad include Autumn Wegleitner, Lizzie Gustafson, Emily Olson, Alex Darling, Brooke Dwight, and Brynn Samson. Junior Brooklynn West was also in the starting lineup last season and Regan Bruns is the seventh senior. Rounding out the list of 10 letterwinners back are sophomores Josie Vander Vorst and Sophia Rodriguez.
Larson pointed to her team’s ability at the net as a key heading into the season.
“I actually think that our net play, both offensively and defensively, is going to be better than it has been in a long time. The girls gained a lot of confidence this summer at camps and the Matchbox League in Aberdeen. We have some players that can really hit the ball, including some that can attack from the back row, and also have some really good blockers.”
One thing Larson stresses every year is that her team needs to pass the ball well, and this season is no exception.
“I think we have some potential for the girls to run some quicker offenses but we have to be able to pass better to do that. I do feel that the girls are motivated to do that and have the mindset and willingness to put the work in to make that happen.”
Depth will definitely be an asset for the Lady Lions. Larson not only has seven seniors, 10 letterwinners, and seven returning starters on the roster, but also has some youngsters waiting in the wings.
“Even with seven seniors, we are going to have some younger kids playing,” said Larson. “We have some underclassmen that are athletes and ready to play.”
Larson did name her starting lineup for Tuesday’s season opener. Gustafson and Brooke Dwight will be outside hitters with Olson and freshman Josie Jensen in the middle. Freshman Bailey Dwight and West will be setters, Wegleitner will play the right side front row for West, and Darling and Samson will play the back row for Brooke Dwight and Jensen.
Rounding out the 14-player varsity roster are Vander Vorst, Rodriguez, Aubrey Craig, and Emma Christensen. “We’re really excited, looking forward to the season, and feeling positive,” concluded Larson. “I think these seniors are ready to post the best record of their volleyball careers and everybody is coming in with a good attitude and working hard.”
