The varsity volleyball team is experiencing a youth movement this season. Four underclassmen, including three freshmen, are now members of a squad that reached the first round of CCS last year. Freshmen Katie Tritschler, Hanna Koehler, Meghan McDermott and sophomore Natalie Dwulet have all made the jump to varsity and have become regular players for the Eagles this season.

“The freshmen are doing a great job,” Head Coach Jason Kennedy said. “This is my fourth season and we haven’t had any freshmen on varsity prior to this year.”

Hanna has even become the starting setter on the team, the main distributor of the ball and a key leader on the court. She, along with Natalie, junior Heather Sangster and senior Kelsey Ayers make up the core of the team.

Katie and Meghan will play key roles on the team as well, with Meghan playing at outside hitter and Katie getting time as libero, the defensive specialist on the court. Natalie the MVP of last year’s JV team, will play middle blocker.

“All three of them are regular players and have great work ethics,” Kennedy said.

The younger players have managed to break the rotation despite their inexperience because of their constant energy.

A recent 3-1 victory against Kings Academy High School provided some perfect examples of the perks of their intensity.

Even with a two-set lead, Meghan made sure her voice was heard loud and clear during every play, whether it was from the bench or on the court. Hanna and Katie layed out for digs on every ball. The third set ended when Hanna tumbled over the sideline bench in an effort to keep the ball in play.

The team hopes to continue progressing and improving towards their goals of a CCS berth.

“We’re a young team,” Kennedy said. “we’ll get better as time goes.”