EV May Get Challenge From Wv

Frontier volleyball

Two-time Frontier volleyball champion East Valley is facing competition this year. And it could come from down the street.

Last year West Valley shared second place in league and the girls return seven players from that team, while the Knights are essentially starting over.

Eight seniors graduated and EV has but three seniors on this team, although coach Jim Dorr isn’t entirely concerned.

“I try to rotate three people in every position so when people graduate I don’t totally panic,” he said.

Dorr has won both Frontier titles since assuming the head coaching position in 1996.

He has been preparing the Knights for next year’s move into Greater Spokane League, a move he’s publicly relished.

In the meantime, three veteran teams, including the Eagles, have one final Frontier shot at East Valley.

All-around athletes feed Knights

This year’s young volleyball team is peopled by all-around athletes.

“It could be more athletic than it’s been, but without the same amount of volleyball skills,” said Dorr.

Players like senior veterans Rebecca Triplett and Rachelle Schultz are multi-sport stars.

Triplett, a second-team all-Frontier volleyball player who injured her shoulder last basketball season, is back at full strength earlier than anticipated.

“She is probably the player who can beat you more ways than anybody else,” said Dorr. “But we have a lot of people who can hit the ball hard.”

Another varsity veteran is junior setter Elly Smith, although 5-foot-11 senior Charlyn Johnson, 6-foot junior Katie Hirst and Amanda Kline gained some experience by season’s end.

Others on varsity are juniors Stacy Merrill, Jeana Boisen and sophomores Kelly Holleran, Ashley Bryceson and Sarah Shogren.

“They’re just going to attack,” said Dorr of this year’s young lineup. “Their philosophy is to swing at everything.”

Eagles improved annually

Last year was West Valley’s best for coach Carol Preston and she anticipates further improvement this season.

“We’re a more solid team one through six than we were last year,” said Preston. “Almost every girl played club ball and it’s paying off.”

Second-team all-Frontier performer, 6-foot senior Lindsay Closs leads the way.

“She will be our big gun, no doubt about that,” said Preston, “and she will set for us, too.”

Veterans around her include Melissa Cochrane, Angie Burtzoff, Sarah Decker, Melissa Dahlquist, Alicia Johnson and Amber Fleisher.

Among newcomers are juniors Haley Henry and Jenny Gregorak.

“I don’t know where she’s going to be on the court yet, but I want her on the floor,” said Preston of Henry’s scrappy play.

Gregorak, a nationally ranked pole vaulter, will also figure heavily in the team’s plans.

Rounding out the team are Kristy Alberts and Lauren Parriman.

“We’re getting better every year I’ve been here,” said Preston. “Person-for-person we match up strongly with East Valley.”

She added, however, there’s no doubt that the defending champions will be ready to play.