The 2021 Triad varsity volleyball team is as follows: row one, from the left, Addie Smith, Emma Ferguson, Kaitlyn Gregg, Kaydence Feasel and Tristah Truitt. Eric Welty, Autumn Feasel, Cayla Eaton, Morgan Alexander, Ashtin Fauber, head coach Brooke Welty. Not pictured is Daytayviah Rodgers. (Photo submitted)
The 2021 Triad junior varsity volleyball team is as follows: row one, from the left, Makayli Brautigam, Kaley Nott, Kaitlyn Gregg, Lindsey Walborn and Kaydee Roberts. Row two, from the left, Coach Mackenzie Swary, Madi Bruce, Carly Goodman, Cylie Nott and Kame Dingledine. (Photo submitted)
The Triad volleyball squad has had its struggles over the past several seasons, only winning a handful of games.
Coach Brooke Welty isn’t concerned with the numbers. She wants to get the team trusting in each other to come together when they take the floor.
“There is a lot of talent within this team, it is just getting all the parts to work together,” said the coach.
Welty said she is going to be looking to her returning letter winners to help with team cohesion. The Cardinals have six on the varsity squad, but feels the team overall is still “fairly young.”
As such, Welty is looking to lean into the youth to find players who can mix together well on the court.
“Several of the girls have played together for a year or more, so they are beginning to know one another better on the court,” she said.
Cayla Eaton and Morgan Alexnder are the players Welty is looking at to mix together. The pair will be on the front line to help lead the offensive attack.
“Cayla and Morgan can be dynamic in the front row, both attacking and blocking,” Welty said.
To help build the attack, Welty has switched Ashtin Fauber to a setter this season. The place, though, Welty believes the team needs to improve is in their serves and communication.
“Have some strong servers, our consistency just isn’t where it needs to be yet,” she said. “We are working on better communication on the court and trusting one another.”
Welty believes the Cardinals will need to be in their best form when taking on the likes of West Liberty and Northeastern.
“Northeastern and WLS are always tough competition in the Ohio Heritage Conference,” Welty said. “Mechanicsburg is also another team to watch out for and in my opinion, I think Greeneview is going to be a contender as well.
“They are under new coaching leadership this year and stats from our preseason looked impressive.”
The competition is also tough outside the OHC.
The Cardinals opened the season with a 3-1 loss to Ridgemont Monday, which was one of Triad’s wins last season.
The Cardinals will have to come together soon with West Liberty and Northeastern on the schedule next week.