The Wyoming Area girls volleyball team is preparing for a special season.
“My seniors started their volleyball careers as freshmen when I started coaching, so it’s a sentimental year for me,” Lady Warriors coach Sara Mazzitelli said.
Wyoming Area went 4-12 overall last season, the third straight in which it finished with a 3-11 record in the Wyoming Valley Conference.
Four of the team’s six returning seniors were starters a year ago.
Outside hitter Taylor Gashi, one of Wyoming Area’s three captains, is entering her fourth year as a starter.
“I’ve had the opportunity to really see them evolve during our time together,” Mazzitelli said. “The team is coming into this season with a solid bond and a good mindset.
“I know we’re all looking forward to this season.”
Middle hitter Sara Pealer, opposite hitter Addy Byers and setter Ava Boyle are the other seniors returning to the starting lineup. Pealer is another captain.
Junior libero Kenzie Galenty is also a returning starter.
Outside hitter Chyenne Stevenson, the other captain, and setter Madelyn Smith are the other returning seniors.
Junior defensive specialist Allison Layland, junior middle hitter/setter Gwyn Pealer and sophomore defensive specialist/libero Josie Kivak are the other returning players from last year’s varsity squad.
Senior opposite Maggie Huang, junior defensive specialist Regan Flynn, junior opposite Faith Stevenson and junior defensive specialist/opposite Aubrey Lewis are the new additions to the varsity roster. It is the first year in the sport for Lewis.
Wyoming Area opens at the Dallas Invitational Saturday and begins WVC competition Sept. 2 at home against Wyoming Valley West.
