The Lady Monarch varsity volleyball squad is pictured from left, front row, Alivia Codner, Morgan Shick, Ella Morris, Peyton Ingle, Natalie McNicholas, Katie Palmer and Jayanti Geertes; back row, head coach Bethany Bentz, Jillian Gardner, Madison Fluharty, Carys Gossett, Rylee Dundon, Sophie Little, Abby Altizer and assistant coach Monica Miller. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
A number of returning lettermen will hopefully help the Lady Monarch volleyball squad improve upon last year’s sixth-place finish in the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division.
Seniors include Carys Gossett (middle blocker), Peyton Ingle (setter) and outside hitters Jillian Gardner and Madison Fluharty.
Junior lettermen are libero Morgan Schick and outside hitter Rylee Dundon. Sophomore setter Ella Morris rounds out the lettermen.
“We have a strong core of senior leadership,” said head coach Bethany Bentz.
Newcomers to the varsity include juniors Abby Altizer and Sophie Little (middle blockers), defensive specialist Alivia Codner and setter Katie Palmer.
Jayanti Gerttes, a senior exchange student from the Netherlands, will also serve as a defensive specialist.
Bentz said the team should have a healthy starting lineup and depth at each position.
“That’s especially so with our hitters,” said the coach.
Most of the Lady Monarchs have the experience and ability to play multiple positions, thus keeping fresh legs on the court at all times.
“We have solid chemistry with this team and the girls have great attitudes,” said Bentz.
“Our hitting is fierce at all positions and our serving has been aggressive.”
The Lady Braves of Olentangy should be the team to beat in the OCC Central Division.
Olentangy will look to defend its divisional title from the 2020 campaign.
“Dublin Jerome has a new coach, while we, Hilliard Darby and Olentangy Berlin bring back experienced, well-balanced teams,” said Bentz.
“Thomas Worthington could also be a factor, even with a new coach and the loss of two big impact players.”
Cross-over matches with OCC programs will include Hilliard Davidson, Westerville South, Central Crossing and Hilliard Bradley.
Bentz said the Lady Monarchs’ (which finished the 2020 campaign with a 7-14 record) goal is to finish within the top three of the Central Division.