Warriors aiming for WSL title

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 28 August 2012 14:04

Returning starters expected to make an impact for Peabody-Burns volleyball this season are (from left) McKenzie Ensminger, Paige Lewis, Rayna Barnes, Brandee Burnett and Kaycy Gonzalez.

A Peabody-Burns volleyball squad that finished runner-up in league season play and lost in the second round of sub-state last year is aiming higher this season with the return of five starting upperclassmen.

“If we can continue to improve our ball control daily, along with our experiences from last season, that should allow us to be highly competitive on a nightly basis, said coach Darren Schroeder, who returns for his 11th season after guiding PBHS to a 21-13 record last season.

Senior Paige Lewis, a 5-foot-6 outside hitter who earned first team all-league honors last season, and junior Rayna Barnes, a 5-9 middle hitter who garnered second-team recognition, are expected to lead the Warriors’ attack this season.

Also hitting from the outside will be 5-8 junior Kaycy Gon­zalez; 5-1 junior McKenzie Ensminger is expected to play libero.

Filling the shoes of graduated Sarah Hofkamp, a first team all-league player, will be freshman Katy Benson.

“We have had some solid competitions for the other two front-row spots so far this season,” Schroeder said. “This group of players loves to work hard and have good team chemistry.”

He hopes the chemistry produces a strong enough reaction to knock off reigning volleyball power?Goessel and a strong Little River team.

Peabody-Burns is scheduled to begin play Sept. 4, taking on Little River and Hope in a triangular meet.