Lady Bears seeking another volleyball title
WARSAW – Volleyball success at River View High School go together like Pepto goes with Bismol and it appears that second year head coach Mark Gibson is hoping for a lot more of the former than the latter.
The second-year mentor comes in after a 17-6 season with an East Central Ohio League Gray Division co-championship under his belt and is hoping to atone for an early exit in the sectional tournament.
“We expect to win our division for the fifth consecutive year and it is our goal to advance to the district tournament,” Gibson stated. The Lady Bears bowed out to Indian Valley in the 2013 sectional.
High expectations are warranted as the Lady Bears, in Gibson’s words, have ‘a wealth of returning talent.’
Among them are senior setter Jessie Gibson, a four-year starter and RVHS career assist leader. Also back is senior middle hitter Lydia Els, a four year starter and senior defensive specialist with four years of varsity experience, Summer Jacobs.
Along with their combined experience, the trio also have leadership qualities as they are serving as tri-captains.
It will be their challenge to replace four-year starter at middle hitter, Andi Daugherty, who is now a member of the Ashland University women’s basketball team.
Other returning letter winners include junior hitters Grace Wherley, Allison Cramer, Kayla Metz and sophomore Paige Douglass; junior defensive specialist Whitney Fender. Libero Cassidy Whiteus is also back as a junior.
Other seniors playing varsity are Becca Douglas, Courtney Dunfee, Kahla Bashoor, and Elisha Hamric.
One newcomer who could make an impact as the season progress is freshman hitter Allison Williams
River View opened the volleyball season in strong fashion, winning two of three matches in a quadrangular at Newark High School on August 16th.
The Lady Bears defeated Fisher Catholic 25-27, 25-17, 25-16 and the host Wildcats 25-9, 25-16 before losing 25-22, 25-23 to Mount Vernon. Wherley sparked River View’s attack in the pair of victories with a combined 24 service points, 20 digs and 12 kills while Gibson had 40 assists in one match.
Category: High School, Sports
