Working to break a string of losing seasons, the Harlan Lady Dragons will be counting on a senior-dominated squad this fall to turn the program around.
Seniors Kendyll Blanton, Mallory McNiel, Tess Bryson and Taylor Hall are all probable starters for the Lady Dragons.
“They all bring energy and encouragement to the team ready to finish their senior year strong,” said Harlan coach Shawna Cox.
The Lady Dragons finished 8-14 last season and fell in the first round of the 52nd District Tournament for the third straight year. Harlan lost Marissa Marlowe and Campbell Nunez to graduation and three other key players didn’t return. Senior Emma Owens and juniors Ella Farley and Carley Thomas aren’t playing, which means the Lady Dragons lost four of their top six players and five of their top nine from last season.
But even with all the changes, Cox likes how the team is coming together in the preseason.
“The strength of the team is each individual player. Everyone is moving together to have a successful season,” Cox said. “We have a lot of younger players in this upcoming season, and I’m hoping they will learn from their fellow teammates this year to continue to have more successful seasons.”
Ava Nunez, a junior, is the top returning player with 89 digs, 21 service aces and 15 kills last season.
“She is stepping into Marissa Marlowe’s shoes and is ready to dominate at the net,” Cox said.
Annie Hoskins, also a junior, was next with 69 kills, 28 aces and 12 assists.
“I look for Annie Hoskins to step up to the net this year with full confidence,” Cox said.
Blanton had 60 digs last season, while Bryson added 34. Hall had nine digs and seven aces, while McNiel added five digs and two aces. Sarah Kate Fisher, a freshman, is also a candidate to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
After a runner-up finish in last year’s 13th Region All “A” Classic, the Lady Dragons are looking to advance to state competition this season.
“We want a long run in the 13th Region All ‘A’ this year. We are trying to build confidence of our team for the new upcoming generation in volleyball,” Cox said. “Our aspiration for the upcoming season is to work together with no excuses because we have played together for five-plus years.”
Harlan will open its season on Aug. 15 at Pineville.
Seniors Kendyll Blanton, Mallory McNiel, Tess Bryson and Taylor Hall are all probable starters for the Lady Dragons.
“They all bring energy and encouragement to the team ready to finish their senior year strong,” said Harlan coach Shawna Cox.
The Lady Dragons finished 8-14 last season and fell in the first round of the 52nd District Tournament for the third straight year. Harlan lost Marissa Marlowe and Campbell Nunez to graduation and three other key players didn’t return. Senior Emma Owens and juniors Ella Farley and Carley Thomas aren’t playing, which means the Lady Dragons lost four of their top six players and five of their top nine from last season.
But even with all the changes, Cox likes how the team is coming together in the preseason.
“The strength of the team is each individual player. Everyone is moving together to have a successful season,” Cox said. “We have a lot of younger players in this upcoming season, and I’m hoping they will learn from their fellow teammates this year to continue to have more successful seasons.”
Ava Nunez, a junior, is the top returning player with 89 digs, 21 service aces and 15 kills last season.
“She is stepping into Marissa Marlowe’s shoes and is ready to dominate at the net,” Cox said.
Annie Hoskins, also a junior, was next with 69 kills, 28 aces and 12 assists.
“I look for Annie Hoskins to step up to the net this year with full confidence,” Cox said.
Blanton had 60 digs last season, while Bryson added 34. Hall had nine digs and seven aces, while McNiel added five digs and two aces. Sarah Kate Fisher, a freshman, is also a candidate to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
After a runner-up finish in last year’s 13th Region All “A” Classic, the Lady Dragons are looking to advance to state competition this season.
“We want a long run in the 13th Region All ‘A’ this year. We are trying to build confidence of our team for the new upcoming generation in volleyball,” Cox said. “Our aspiration for the upcoming season is to work together with no excuses because we have played together for five-plus years.”
Harlan will open its season on Aug. 15 at Pineville.
