The high school volleyball season begins this week with East Bladen hosting Clinton in a non-conference match on Wednesday, and West Bladen will entertain Fairmont Thursday in a Three Rivers Conference match.
West Bladen
Coach Gaye Davis’ Lady Knights finished with an 11-9 record last season and tied for third-place in the TRC Class 2A standings. Departed via graduation are Three Rivers Conference Player of the Year Raegan Davis and All-Conference librero Caroline Davis.
Heading the list of returnees is a trio of seniors – Lexi Corrothers (130 kills, 45 service points, 19 aces), Mikayla Meadows (115 kills, 28 blocks, 74 service points and 45 aces), and Jordan Benson (140 assists, 51 service points, 18 aces and 24 digs).
Rounding out the Lady Knight roster are senior Erica Storms, juniors Sidnee Walters, Ashlyn Cox, Amelia Brisson, Shelby Pharr, Alyssa Suggs and Taylor West, and sophomore Caroline Brisson.
East Bladen
Coach Sara Ward’s Lady Eagles will be led by a strong returning group this season that includes seniors Lorna Mendell, Ruth Ward, Cybil Campbell and Lila McDuffie and juniors Kayleigh Raynor, Katie Evans and Cheylee Mathis.
One key graduation loss was All-Three Rivers Conference player Sarah Johnson.
Additions from last year’s jayvee squad are seniors Adrienne Howell and Shanell McMillian. Senior Abbie Cross, who missed most of last season with an injury, and sophomore Sara Gargala, who was sidelined for all of last season with an injury.
Sophomore Alexus Mitchell and Acee Campbell round out the Lady Eagle squad.