By Jacki Wood

With 10 seniors graduating from last year’s Maryville volleyball team, the Spoofhounds expect new talent to step up in 2016.

“Our team will look a lot different this year in almost every position,” Head Coach Connor Kellerstrass said, “with younger girls stepping up.”

In his fifth year of coaching at MHS, third as head coach, Kellerstrass is assisted by Hannah Erspamer and Sarah Brought. The coaches expect the Hounds to be a disciplined team when it comes to fundamentals.

“Consistent serving and passing will be key,” Kellerstrass said.

After going 12-15-1 overall last year, that consistency with the younger team will be crucial.

“We will look to be more consistent in all areas and reduce the number of unforced errors,” he said. “It will take great leadership from our seniors to be able to play consistently well all the way through each match.”

Those seniors include, setter Halley Sims, outside hitter Paige Heitman, libero Kailee Swalley and middle blocker Felicia Sheil.

“There will be some ups and downs,” Kellerstrass said. “But how we respond in those moments of crisis will be extremely important.”

The Spoofhounds begin the season on August 22 at home against Benton.