Last season was a tough one for the Houston High School volleyball program.
But beyond the team’s record are positives coach Loran Richardson hopes to build on as she enters her second season leading her alma mater.
Houston managed just a 3-24-1 mark in 2016. But the Lady Tigers were their best down the stretch as they won two of their final regular-season matches –– conference wins against Salem and Thayer –– and were in position for a district win. Their season ended with a three-set loss to Licking that they had advantages in every set.
“We didn’t win as many games as we had hoped,” Richardson said. “But we were playing strong at the end of the year. We did what a team is supposed to do –– you build up and play well by districts.” Richardson is hopeful the strong finish combined with a good summer and core of returning players will lead to more success in 2017.
Ten of Houston’s 12 players saw varsity action last season. Richardson said she hopes to play 9-10 of them regularly.
Sevanna Rowland, one of three seniors, returns for her final season after earning honorable mention all-conference honors as a junior. She led Houston with 242 digs and had 27 aces.
With Rowland and junior Melody Buse sharing libero roles, Richardson believes defense will be one of her team’s strengths.
“Not a lot of balls hit the ground around Melody and Sevanna,” she said.
HHS hopes to run a faster offense, Richardson said, with a three-person setter rotation of senior Chloe Hunninghake, junior Alexis Choate and sophomore Janae Huff.
Brooke McCown returns at outside hitter with Darby Bell and varsity newcomer Viviana Guerra. Hunninghake could also play the position.
The middle blockers are juniors Kennedy Campbell and Tara Stanton.
Kelly Hubbs and Madison Barton will provide bench depth defensively.
Richardson praised her team’s offseason work. She said most of the girls played club ball from January to April and were active in the weight room and open gyms this summer.
“This summer they looked strong in comparison to where we were last preseason,” Richardson said. “They are already better.”
Richardson said she wants her team to be mentally tougher this season. She has also set a goal of finishing in the top half of the conference.
“I want them to be coachable and improve as the year goes on,” Richardson said. “Not only that, but we want them to learn things –– dealing with a teammate or overcoming a tough situation –– that will serve them outside of volleyball.”