Volleyball Preview: Bulldogs, Tritons hope to contend
In order to be a contending high school volleyball team in Southwest Florida, there are a few essential requirements.
First, a team must be deep in talent with several skilled players that enjoy the game and play it often.
Then comes the task of bonding as a team, so there is no internal conflict in the heat of competition.
With a senior-dominated squad, the Ida Baker Bulldogs believe they have a team capable of taking a step forward this season, though they recognize it will require the right level of balance and cohesion, and the right attitude.
“Unity is the key,” said setter Deonnah Findley, who is one of the Bulldogs’ seven seniors. “Last year the team was a little divided so I think unity on the court is going to be big.”
As a new season begins Tuesday, the Bulldogs hope to continue their rise as a program.
Last year, in Baker’s fourth season since the school opened, the Bulldogs posted an 11-9 mark that included their first-ever district tournament win in a thrilling, five-set match against rival Mariner.
They return much of their firepower. Seven of the top 10 players are seniors, including versatile four-year players Findley (5-foot-11), Taylor Van Horn (5-10) and Chelsea Shafer (5-8).
All three are capable of moving around and playing multiple roles, while Shafer often has been a go-to hitter, combining good timing and power.
Senior middle hitter Taryn Maymon is an emerging player, while sophomores Kali Nordquist, Payton Van Horn and Brenna Hambsch each bring athleticism and hitting ability.
Another four-year player, Chelsey Cline, the team’s libero, anchors the defense and the Bulldogs should get an added boost from senior Stefanie Creamer, who returns to the mix after missing her junior year.
“With a lot of seniors this year, we’re going to be playing our hardest,” Shafer said.
As much as the Bulldogs are a senior-dominated team, they’re also a Van Horn-dominated team.
Along with senior Taylor, and sophomore Payton, the Bulldogs are guided by first-year varsity coach Rene Van Horn.
She served as junior varsity coach the past three years, working with then-head coach Jessicah Bullock. With Bullock away on maternity leave, Van Horn takes over the program.
“I think we’re going to stick with the same type of aggressive play,” Rene Van Horn said. “I know these girls and they know me, so it was a good transition.”
Taylor Van Horn, who is one of the team captains, said the players took the change in stride and added she doesn’t approach the game differently now that her mother is the head coach.
“There’s no difference than if it was another coach,” she said. “We don’t even call her mom. We call her coach when she steps in the gym.”
The Bulldogs and the rest of the area teams play in a new district this season brought about by the FHSAA’s reclassification.
Defending District 5A-15 champion Fort Myers figures to be the class of the new 10-team District 4A-11 that includes Baker, Mariner, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Estero, Lemon Bay, Riverdale Cypress Lake, and South Fort Myers.
Island Coast, which enters its first varsity season, has been assigned to 3A-5 with powerhouse Bishop Verot, Dunbar, Gateway Charter and LaBelle.
Mariner Tritons: The Tritons squandered a golden opportunity to advance to the district semifinals for the second straight year last season. They were unable to close out Baker, despite taking a two-set lead in their district quarterfinal match.
The Tritons and Bulldogs have played some of the more competitive matches the past two seasons, and both teams think they can be a factor in the new district.
“Our returning players are very strong,” said Tritons coach Tom Faasse, who enters his eighth season, “and our new players have added some options.”
The Tritons, who finished 9-12 last year, would like to be closer to the 14-8 mark they achieved in 2007.
In order to reach those expectations they’ll need consistent play from junior setter Samantha Greenwell, junior outside hitter Abby Willis, junior opposite hitter Cody Sawyer, senior middle hitter Jenny Betts and sophomore libero Tori-Webb Martin.
Two transfer players, senior Debra Swain and junior Brooke Gudvangen , have filled some key voids.
Cape Coral Seahawks: Lindsey Conley steps in as the Seahawks coach, after two seasons leading the JV team. She took over from Savanna Gindele, who became the school’s athletic director.
The Seahawks (2-13) have a large varsity team this season, which includes several underclassmen and one freshmen – Kristi Maselter.
Conley stressed that it will take the entire group working together to bring them through a rebuilding stage.
“I feel many of the girls will carry an even load,” she said.
Island Coast Gators: The Gators will begin to find out where they are as they embark on their first varsity season.
First-year coach Cheryl Stauffer has a young team to work with, which makes it difficult to determine what players will emerge as leaders.
“I am expecting with the young talent we have to have a successful season,” Stauffer added.
North Fort Myers Red Knights: Third-year coach Jeremy Ridgeo believes the Knights have the foundation in place to improve upon their 7-15 record from last season.
Leading the way this season are captains Paige Engh (middle hitter) and Susie McKeever (setter).
Other key returnees include junior libero Lindsey Tryon and junior outside hitter Jessica Petrucci.
Bishop Verot Vikings: The Vikings won their first 22 games last season before falling in an epic regional semifinal match to Tampa Berkeley Prep, 15-25, 25-20, 25-20, 22-25, 15-12.
With a loaded team coming back, coach Wynn DePasquale is expecting another run at a regional title.
Defensive stalwart Katie Mosher, setter Ciara Brown, outside hitters Sarah Toggweiler and Katie Clinger and middle hitter Christa Brooks lead the Vikings’ arsenal.