Fall 2019 Preview: McAuley Catholic Volleyball

By Chris Parker

McAuley Catholic had a successful 2018 season that included winning the Class 1 District 9 Championship on the way to an overall record of 24-6-2.

The Lady Warriors graduated their top three hitters in terms of kills, but coach Amanda Walker has players ready to step up and fill the lost production.

“We have some girls that will be able to fill those roles. Just being able to get them a ton of reps in practices before games begin will be the biggest key to staying successful,” Walker said.

One piece of stability in the McAuley Catholic attack will be senior Taylor Schiefelbein who had 504 assists as the team’s setter last season.

“Luckily, Taylor is a quick learner and will be able to learn her new hitters. She is consistent and accurate, as well as vocal, so she will be able help a great deal in this transition year,” Walker said. “Taylor will be a huge leader for us as a senior. She has had the most varsity playing time and will be able to help her teammates prepare for the season. She expects a lot of herself and that will be good for the other players to see out of the leader on the court.”

Senior Elizabeth Motazedi (right side/outside hitter) and junior Carmen Colson (right side/outside hitter) return after each played in every set last season. Motazedi’s 75 kills are the most returning for McAuley Catholic.

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Fellow seniors Isabella Bertoncino (outside hitter/defensive specialist), Gracie Gardner (outside hitter) along with junior Kate Huthsing (middle hitter) and the freshman trio of JoJo Wheeler (defensive specialist), Lily Black (outside hitter) and Abbi Street (defensive specialist) are new players to watch at the varsity level.

“I expect the girls to have a good season. We of course lost several key players, but I believe that we are able to fill those holes with great assets to our program. We have some solid leaders on our team that will make sure the new rotation will feel comfortable and confident in their new positions. As with any team that transitions, we will have some struggles, but our team is tightknit and will be able to overcome the obstacles by working together,” Walker said.

McAuley Catholic opens the season on Sept. 3 at home against Sarcoxie.