By David Grimes
With three wins already under their belt, the North Cross volleyball team is hoping that its six returning seniors will be the key to improving on last year’s third place finish in the Blue Ridge Conference.
The Raiders, who finished 7-2 in the conference and 18-11 overall, ended its 2011 season by finishing fourth in the VISAA, Division II state tournament.
Returning for Head Coach Heather Donaho, who is starting her sixth season at North Cross, are seniors Gussie Revercomb (OH), Lynsey Barker (S), Ashley Donaho (OH), Kelci Dillon (M/Opp), Grace Cates (Opp) and Crystal Edwards (M).
New to the varsity lineup will be senior Ragan Comer (M), junior Ann Ickes (M), junior Danielle Dennis (M), junior Rosie List (M/Opp), junior Hazel Lindahl (Opp), senior India Helmer (L) and junior Urmilia Bharathan (DS).
When asked what the Raiders strong and weak points were this season, Donaho replied, “Our strengths are four returners plus the addition of a strong middle. While depth at certain positions and a little bit of inexperience at the varsity level are our weaknesses.”
North Cross, who has already defeated SWVA Home School twice and Timberlake Christian, sees Roanoke Catholic and Liberty Christian Academy as their top matches this fall.
What can the Raiders’ faithful expect in 2012? “We look to finish near the top of the conference and hopefully by playing in several early tournaments we will increase our stamina,” said Donaho. “Hopefully, we’ll be back in Division III (after last year in Division II) for the state tournament to compete more evenly for a title.”
When North Cross returns to action on Thursday, Sept 6 and hosts Grace Christian School they will be back in full force after senior setter Lynsey Barker returns to action after a preseason injury kept her out of the first 3 matches.
