Derry volleyball relying on new players to contribute after graduation of six seniors

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, September 4, 2017 | 8:12 PM

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Derry's girls volleyball team bid farewell to six seniors after last season.

Most were three-year starters, so their departure left a big void. But the Trojans are eager to see what this year's group can accomplish.

“The team has had a consistent run for a while,” coach Brock Smith said. “When you lose a lot, people may think it's going to be a low point, but people step in. We have girls waiting in the wings, and they've worked really hard. They play for each other. If you have a team that plays for each other and works hard, a lot of success can be had.

“I've been very fortunate with the girls I've had here. We get a good number of quality athletes who fall in love with the sport and work hard to get better and want to continue the tradition we've established.”

Derry has a good building block in Alix Ellis. The senior outside hitter was an all-Section 5-2A and an all-WPIAL selection last year.

“She is going to be one of the main people we rely on to do well this year,” Smith said. “She is the go-to girl right now.”

Outside hitter Renee Rectenwald and defensive specialist Danielle Liberoni, both seniors, join Ellis as captains. Middle hitter Abby Pacek and defensive specialist Riley Watson are the other seniors.

“The five seniors are really ready to play,” Smith said. “I think every new group comes through looking at the success of the group that came before them. They want to maintain the consistency of the program and make sure they leave it better than what they came into.”

Juniors Raeanna Ressler (setter), Lauren Enos (libero), Hailey Ruffner (middle hitter), Gia Decario (outside hitter), Taylor Edwards (defensive specialist), Mallory Reitz (right side) and Maria Balega (setter/defensive specialist) will see time in the rotation. Sophomores Kamryn Kelly (outside hitter), Rylee Ellis (middle hitter), Hannah Wedow (multiple spots) and Sarah Aukerman (middle hitter) will play key roles for the Trojans as well.

“Last year, we had a seasoned team. We lost a sizable amount of experience. We don't have a lot of returning starters, but the girls who will be playing will have volleyball awareness bigger than the years they've been playing,” Smith said. “We need to make sure we control the ball. We need to play really good defense. We need to limit our unforced errors if we are going to have a success this season.

“Last year, we relied on our offense. This year, we don't have as much offense, so we'll have to play better defensively in order to have success. By the end of the year, maybe some more girls will develop into big-time threats. As it stands, we have to learn how to control the ball.”

Ellis will be a focal point of the team's attack, but the Trojans hope others emerge to complement her.

“Everyone will look to her to terminate as many balls as possible. That's no secret,” Smith said. “Our job is to make sure we get Alix as many quality chances as possible and we're distributing the ball so people don't just focus on shutting Alix down.”

Derry tied Burrell for second in the section last year with 9-3 records.

The Trojans lost to Neshannock in the first round of the WPIAL tournament.

“If we can stay in the hunt and play strong within our section, we'll give ourselves a chance to get into the playoffs. Anything can happen in the playoffs as long as you get a good matchup. We have to work hard all season to get the spot we're looking for,” Smith said. “It's the team-first mentality with the girls, and I'm looking forward to a good season. Maybe we'll raise some eyebrows if we can play a little above our ability, at times.”

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.