Richmond setter Allyson Wood sets up a ball for a teammate during practice Monday night at the high school.
In 2010, a new coach and many new players will try to take that high bar and raise it even further.
Michelle Denson takes over for former coach Wendy Wallace. She inherits a team that despite losing a core of seniors off last year’s squad, is nonetheless deep with experience.
Key returning players include senior setter Allyson Wood; senior outside hitter I’Teionna McLaughlin; senior server Alex Gardner; and senior middle hitter Demi Watkins.
Several juniors are also expected to play major roles, including Brittany Roberts, Jaque Brown and Lauren Knotts, all hitters.
It all starts with a setter, and Wood is a good one, Denson said. A three-year starter, Wood is a leader as well as a versatile all-around player.
“She can play the front line for us, too,” Denson said.
The 2010 Lady Raiders played well at a recent all-day jamboree in Fayetteville, Denson said. “We got some playing time for a lot of girls, and we got to see who will be the players we can expect to step up when the match is on the line,” Denson said. “We’ve got a very competitive bunch of girls.”
Other key players include promising sophomore Maxi Poole and junior Melita Ingram, who will be a backup setter to Wood and also be expected to pitch in on defense.
The Lady Raiders begin the 2010 season tonight at home against Anson. The J.V. match is slated to start at 5 p.m., with the varsity match to follow about 20 minutes later.
Contact sports editor David Vantress at 997-3111, ext. 14 or via email at dvantress@yourdailyjournal.com.
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