The fall season is upon us, which means things are starting to heat up in the gym for the Flying Geese volleyball team at Wethersfield High School.
High expectations have become synonymous with volleyball and longtime WHS Head Coach, Tonya Vincent, and this season is no exception.
“We always know we have a big target on our backs and that teams are going to bring their best when they play us,” said Vincent. “We have to have confidence that we can play on any away court. The gyms are always packed.”
A large, vocal crowd greeted the Lady Geese Wednesday night when they arrived to take on the Golden Eagles. “Mercer County is always a tough place to play,” Vincent said.
Not deterred, Wethersfield came away with a two-set LTC victory (25-16, 26-23). The Geese are now 6-2 (1-0) and the Golden Eagles fall to 2-7 (0-1).
Wethersfield’s first loss was to longtime rival, Orion, in the championship match of the WHS Varsity Invitational (21-18, 19-21, 7-15).
The Geese have posted wins over Bureau Valley (2), Putnam County, Princeville and Havana.
The second loss was to a very tall and talented 3-0 Fulton squad (18-25, 17-25). “They have a 6’0″ player (Ava Bowen), who is one of the best players we’ll see all season,” said Vincent. “Their other two main hitters are 5’9″ and they’re really impressive players too.”
Wethersfield has some good size as well. Junior hitter/blocker, Emerson Nelson, is the team’s tallest player at 5’11”. “She’s becoming more confident w/herself and she’s a really good blocker,” noted Vincent.
The senior duo of Raqi Young and Sophie Nimrick are 5’9″, respectively. Young is the team’s primary setter, but is a very capable hitter as well. Nimrick is one of the team’s strongest blockers. Senior libero, Cora Hodge, is a great defensive player. “She’s playing really good ball right, said Coach Vincent.
Senior Kennady Anderson, is in the starting rotation as an outside hitter and junior, Kendall Vincent, adds power and strength from the left side. Junior, Lajaya Angel, plays from the middle hitter position. “Lajaya hasn’t played as many years as the other girls, but she’s shown steady improvement and has been working on her timing.”
Senior Marlie Lindstrom joins the rotation in the back row. The team is rounded out by junior, Jillian Taylor, and four sophomores (Wavelynn Peart, Camryn Anderson, Natalie Nelson and Abigail Canada).
Anderson, Young, Hodge and Nimrick are all four-year varsity members.
“It’s nice to have so much experience from this group of seniors,” said Vincent. “There’s more maturity this year and they’re very comfortable playing with each other. Our sophomores have improved so much, which allows us to have better practices,” added Vincent. “That makes such a big difference.”
Former WHS varsity and junior high volleyball coach, Verna Townsend, serves as an assistant coach. Former WHS players, Mariana Ponce and Sydney Krause, are splitting their time as freshmen coaches.
