By Josh Hall (josh.hall@ky3.com)
The El Dorado Springs High School volleyball team has high expectations going into 2017.
The Bulldogs went 7-20-1 after falling to College Heights Christian in three sets in the first round of the Class 2, District 11 tournament, but they return five starters from that team.
“Our biggest strength is the experience we have,” coach Ashley Rogers said. “They have the knowledge and ability needed to be successful. I’m really looking forward to this season.”
El Dorado Springs will miss the production it got from graduated senior Kinlee Ihde, a two-year starter and former captain of the Bulldogs, along with graduated senior Maggie Medley.
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Tiffany Nikodim (senior OH), Kayla Collins (senior OH/S), Taylor Robison (junior M) and Tori Rawlings (junior L) are all two-year starters. Kenley Widener (sophomore S) and Kelsey Thomas (senior DS) both have a year of experience as starters.
Collins tallied a team-high 148 kills to go along with 50 blocks last season. Robison was the team-leader in blocks (54) and second in kills (77) as a sophomore. Rawlings finished the 2016 campaign with 200 digs and 303 receptions. Thomas led in assists with 105, while Widener was second with 104.
Alexis Tough (senior DS/S) and Brittany Stevens (junior M) are returning letter winners, while Kraysen Leonard (freshman OH) could see time in the starting lineup out of the gate.
That roster has Rogers excited.
The Bulldogs already got off to a solid start at the Licking camp in late July, finishing 9-3 in pool play. The team advanced to the championship game in bracket play after going 2-1, but fell to Webb City.
“We have a lot of goals for the upcoming year,” Rogers said. “Our big team goal is to advance in the postseason. El Dorado has a strong tradition in volleyball, one that we hope to continue and improve from last year.”
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