By Chris Parker
Wheaton has the pieces in place to continue a strong run over the past several years. Wheaton volleyball has won at least 18 matches in three of the past four seasons.
“We are returning two starters from a 21-win, district runner-up season last year,” Wheaton head coach Robert Creekmore said. “Two years ago we lost six seniors and people questioned if we would be able to compete. Last year’s group proved them wrong and I feel this group will do the same. We lost nine seniors last year, and while that may seem an insurmountable obstacle, we have several girls who saw significant playing time last year and are ready to step up.”
Those two starters are senior Madison Pierpoint (libero) and junior Monica Hinojosa (middle hitter). Pierpoint earned first-team all-conference honors after she led the Bulldogs in both digs and aces last year.
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“(Pierpoint) will lead us on the defensive side. She is tremendous on serve receive and also has great volleyball IQ,” Creekmore said.
Hinojosa, who also earned first-team all-conference honors, led Wheaton in blocks and was second in kills.
“(Hinojosa) really found her rhythm towards the end of last season and she will carry the majority of our offensive load early in the season,” Creekmore said.
Sophomore outside hitter Allison Whitman returns at outside hitter after coming off the bench as a freshman.
Lily Ray (sophomore setter), Jianna Cha (freshman middle hitter), Patti Vang (junior right side) and Jenny Par (sophomore outside hitter) are newcomers to watch for Wheaton this season.
Creekmore expects his veterans and new players to blend together and have the ability to make a deep post-season run.
“Each year one of our team goals is to compete for an Ozark 7 title and this year is no different,” Creekmore said. “We always are looking to hit that 20-win mark as well and this group is fully capable of that. After a second place finish at districts last season, this group is hungry to win another district title.”
Wheaton opens the season on Aug. 28 at Chadwick.
