Fall 2019 Preview: Skyline Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Skyline volleyball will be young this year with just three seniors on the roster, but the expectation of a winning season will not change according to Head Coach Shawna Bybee.

“I have been (the head coach) for two years, (and) we have had an above .500 record each year. That is my expectation is that this team will be above .500,” Bybee said. “Will it be hard? 100-percent it will be hard work for these girls to do that just because of the girls we lost last year. I think these girls don’t like to lose, so I think they will do anything to be above .500.”

Two all-district juniors return to lead the Lady Tigers in Ella Dougherty and Angelina Curtis. Both will be hitters this year, as Dougherty will move from her setter position.

“They put in the time. There is not a day they don’t come to extra things if I have it offered. They put a lot of time in the weight room. They are also coachable,” Bybee said. “They are my top two athletic kids. They have stepped into the role where they are leaders now.”

Senior Emmy Wilson and junior Leah King will see time at setter this year. Sophomores Jadyn Foster and Alyee Gunter will see expanded roles this year. Foster will be a hitter while Gunter will transition from libero to playing all around.

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Other players who could see playing time this year include: seniors Allison Nothnagel and Tanya Holt; juniors Destiny Holt and Abigail Nothnagel; sophomores Jorden Hodges, Ashlyn Eidson and KeSeana Wilson; freshmen Lexie Curtis, Kalli Eidson, Shayla Lynn and Olivia Harrison.

Skyline won’t have much size up front, so defense will be the key to success for the Lady Tigers.

“Our biggest strength is our defense. We are going to be very short at the net, but my back row has always picked up my front row. Our biggest goal defensively is to keep the ball going and not lose the rally to make the other team make a mistake,” Bybee said. “We might not always get the kills because we are not tall on the front row, but I do expect my girls to get the other team tired defensively.”

Skyline opens the season on Sept. 3 at Forsyth.