By Chris Parker
Billings volleyball posted a 10th consecutive winning season last year by finishing 15-11-3 overall. The Lady Wildcats graduated five seniors from that team while first-team all-conference junior Melanie Ryan transferred.
As a result, just two starters and three total players with varsity experience return this year. Their leadership will be key if Billings is to make it 11 straight winning seasons.
“My returning starters have done a great job at adjusting to the new rotation and any changes that we have made over the summer. They are also very helpful in explaining things to the underclass and have stayed positive and patient while we work out some kinks,” Billings head coach Brandi Sillavan said.
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Emma Datema returns after earning second-team all-conference honors last year. She led Billings in digs (570) and serve receptions (329). Datema was also third on the team with 166 kills. This year she will be a six-rotation player mainly playing outside or in the middle.
“Emma will be stepping into a leadership role this year, by being a go to hitter, and her ability to see the court. Emma is also a positive role model for the team and finds ways to pep the team up,” Sillavan said.
Bella Harter is the second returning starter. The junior earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a sophomore. Harter, who will play on the front row, was second on the team in kills with 208 last year. She led the team in blocks with 39.
“Bella will be a key player for us on the front row with her quick arm swing and big block,” Sillavan said.
Senior Haili Ashley is the final returning player with varsity experience. She will be a middle hitter this year after playing in just 14 sets on varsity last year.
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Billings will rely on a host of newcomers for production this year including: Alyson Harter (senior), Paula Culver (junior middle or left), Candance Daniel (junior defensive specialist), Aleya Dickison (junio defensive specialist), Reyleigh Gearing (sophomore setter) and Kenzie Clendenning (sophomore outside).
Sillavan on Harter: “Alyson is great at right back defense and quick to pick up the tips.”
Sillavan on Culver: “Paula is aggressive and has a big vertical with great attack on the ball.”
Sillavan on Daniel: “Candance has good ball control and a powerful serve.”
Sillavan on Dickison: “Aleya is great at using her hand while in the back row and great at picking up cross court hits.”
Sillavan on Gearing: “Reyleigh will be our new setter this year and will be running a 5:1. She is a hustler who does not let the ball hit the floor.”
Sillavan on Clendenning: “Kenzie’s strength is her defense and serve receive. Her ball control is amazing and she is good at ball placement.”
What Billings lacks in experience will be made up with in versatility.
“Our biggest strength is how versatile our team is. Many players can play different positions at any given time. We are also very flexible when it comes to changing the line up or mixing up the rotation,” Sillavan said.
Billings opens the season on Aug. 28 at the Verona Invitational.
“Expectations this year are to work hard on every play and hustle after everything,” Sillavan said. “We know we may have some weak spots in our rotation and face a good hitter at the net. We have been working on how to get ourselves out of those situations and pushing points when we have the advantage.”
