By Chris Parker
Osceola volleyball won 20 matches for the first time since 2015 last season. This year, the Indians are looking for even more with five players returning who saw action in a majority of the varsity sets last season.
All-state libero Jadyn Guerin returns to anchor the defense. She had 674 digs and 675 serve receptions as a sophomore last season. Lydia Jones, who had 294 serve receptions and 302 digs, will also be key on defense.
Setters Grace Colby (senior) and Roz Snider (junior) will run the offense. Colby had 382 assists last season while Snider added in 372. Colby is also the team’s leading returner in kills with 243.
Brooklyn Rollins (senior) and Brynn Belisle (sophomore) will be key on the attack and the block in as middles. Rollins had 25 total blocks and 50 kills last season. Belisle had 101 kills and 38 total blocks as a freshman.
Laney Utchman will be a senior looking to contribute.
There will be several newcomers vying for varsity playing time. Pammi Limiac and Kylee Guerin will look for time as defensive specialists. Freshmen Leah Crowder and Taryn Wood are looking to make an impact as hitters. Seniors Julia Trautweiler and Madeline Garlick will help in various roles.
“I think we should be good defensively,” Osceola head coach Cheryl Edwards said. “I would like to see our serve receive be stronger so we are able to run an in system offense.”
Osceola hosts a jamboree on Aug. 27 with Skyline, Green Ridge and Windsor. The Lady Indians open the regular season on Aug. 31 at the Stockton Tournament.
“We play a tough schedule to get better,” Edwards said. “I hope that they can push through and compete with the big teams so that competing in our class is easier for us.”
