Devils Rapid Vball Strides Shift Rebuilding To Reloading Mode

As preseason practices began OFA Girls Volleyball Coach Sue McLean prepared all her energies for a rebuilding mode.

What coach wouldn't.

Eight seniors graduated from last fall's NAC West and Section 10 Class C Championship team and five contributed regularly to two sectional titles. Jhenna King, two-time NAC Division MVP and four-year starter; Aubrey Badlam, two-time All NAC and four-year starter; All-NAC libero Alison Edwards, starting hitters Elissa St. Germain and Chelsea Hackett and Megan Tallman who moved into a starting position for playoffs all graduated.

But one day away from the Lady Devils season opener, an NAC Interdivisional matchup at home against Massena (6 p.m.) on Thursday, Coach McLean is now thinking in terms of reloading in lieu of rebuilding.

Reloading around: a two-time All-NAC West setter in senior Charrette Spooner who is ideally suited to become a floor leader and intensity elevator, the powerful presence at the net provided by senior middle hitter Emily McLellan who led the team blocks last year and the vast improvement of junior outside hitter Molly Morrow,

Aggressive middle hitter Sarah Weir and versatile hitter/setter Brittany Redmond, who moved up from the JV's for last year's sectionals, will also be impact performers.

Fellow juniors moving up from a strong JV team are: April Mashaw who possesses developing libero skills, Rachel Fisher (middle hitter), Alysha Brothers (opposite hitter), Beth Wallace (defensive specialist) and Marissa Young (outside hitter). Two outstanding sophomore athletes in twin sisters Brittany (opposite hitter/setter) and Felicia Barr provide valuable depth to the Devils' power capabilities.

Two first-year seniors have also been valuable additions. Kirstie Fredericks has shown great capability at net and will start in the serving rotation. Kristen Dillingham has adapted very well to the role of defensive specialist.

"Some may dismiss us this year due to the amount of talent we have lost. I had previously thought we may have a rebuilding year, but after two weeks of practice, I am thinking we may be "reloading," said Coach McLean

"The girls are working hard and are very focused on learning the 5-1 (5 hitters, 1 setter) system. We will be working to blend all the talent and utilize everyone in the positions that best fit them. I am excited to work with this group and believe we have the talent to be a contender in the West Division and to make a run to hold on to that Class C Championship for the third year."

The NAC divisions will remain the same. OFA will defend their West title against Canton, Edwards-Knox, Gouverneur, Madrid-Waddington and Potsdam. The East is composed of Brushton-Moira, Chateaugay, Franklin Academy (Malone), Massena, Salmon River and Tupper Lake,

Section 7 Joins

Regional Field

The Section 10 Tournament will see Massena and Franklin Academy (Malone) in Class B, OFA, Salmon River, Canton, Gouverneur and Potsdam in Class C and Tupper Lake, Brushton-Moira, overall Section 10 Champion Chateaugay, Edwards-Knox and Madrid-Waddington in Class D.

One major challenge will come at the regional level where Section 7 (Plattsburgh area) has moved to the fall to align with the state tournament.

The Section 10 champions will host the Section 7 Champions this year with the winner advancing to play Section 2.