2018 Fall Preview: East Newton Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Rachel Ayo takes over as the head coach of East Newton Volleyball. This is Ayo’s first head coaching position after serving as an assistant on staff for last season’s 11-win team.

The versatile Kaitlynn Massey, who is an outside hitter and setter in East Newton’s 6-2 formation, returns for her senior season after leading the team with 119 kills and finishing second with 154 assists.

“Kaitlynn has a very strong hitter. Throughout offseason, she has grown tremendously in her accuracy and finding the open holes on the court,” Ayo said. “She has always been a strong hitter and she is now combining her strong hitting with great court awareness. I have high expectations for her during her senior season. I expect her hitting percentage and kills per set to exceed last year’s stats.”

Shelby Guinn will be East Newton’s other setter after leading the team with 204 assists as a junior.

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Madison McDermott will be a key player for East Newton in her junior season. She recorded 44 blocks last season, while no other player for the Lady Patriots had more than nine blocks. She was also second on the team with 113 kills.

“Madison brings height and a great offensive swing to our team. She is a great blocker and is learning to play smart,” Ayo said. “She is a junior this year, so we are very excited to see her grow the next two years.”

Ryli Copeland will also be a factor in the middle after missing most of last season with an injury. Ayo thinks she could produce blocks on a level with McDermott.

Seniors Sydnee Allen (right side/defensive specialist) and Logan Rogers (libero) along with sophomore Ellie Enlow (right side/defensive specialist) will also be key players for the varsity lineup.

Ayo has big expectations for her experienced team in her first year as head coach.

“We are expecting to be in the top of the pack in the Big 8 this year,” Ayo said. “As long as everyone stays healthy and continues to improve, I fully believe we could have a shot at postseason play. We have six returning starters, and a group of five seniors whom I expect to lead our team to many wins this season.”

East Newton opens the season on Aug. 27 at Purdy.