Warhill volleyball hungry for another title shot

Warhill's Alex Koon (12) was the Class 3A state player or the year in 2013.

 

By John Harvey

jharvey@revcitysports.com

JAMES CITY – Warhill High’s volleyball team came within one game of claiming the school’s first state championship in any sport.

With nine players back from last year’s squad, led by Class 3A State Player of the Year Alex Koon, coach Greg Koon believes this team has the talent to make another run at a state title.

The Lions return six players that played in the state finals.

“We expect to see the best from every team we play,” Koon said. “We are preparing for every scenario, at the highest level of competition.”

After missing most of her sophomore season with an injury, Alex Koon looked 100 percent healthy last year for the Lions. The 6-foot-4 senior outside hitter had more than 400 kills and led the team in blocks and digs. She has verbally committed to play at Wichita State University.

Colby Norris is another all-state player returning to the fold. The senior outside hitter had had a breakout sophomore season and carried that over into last season. She had nearly 100 kills and emerged as a solid all-around player with nearly 100 digs.

Megan Harrigan, Nicole Mulligan, Hanna Comier, Madi Braman, Cori Clifton, Jewel Walters and Bre Harrigan also return from last year’s squad.

Harrigan returns for her third season as the team’s setter. The senior finished last season with more than 400 assists and 100 digs last season. She has great knowledge of the offense and isn’t afraid to pound the ball at the net.

Mulligan and Clifton emerged as offensive options by the end of the year. Mulligan had nearly 100 kills and more than 50 blocks as the team’s top middle blocker. Clifton had nearly 90 kills during her first varsity campaign.

Walters saw extended playing time as the team’s libero. The sophomore defensive specialist ranked second on the team with nearly 150 digs.

Koon has always been pleased with the addition of sophomore Gabby Santana and freshman Elizabeth Glazener and Alis Ripchick and expect them to challenge for playing time.

“We are committed to improving our defense and speeding up our offense,” Koon said. “This season will differ from previous seasons because we have more depth on the bench than ever before.”

One of the new wrinkles this offseason for Warhill was attending Christopher Newport University’s volleyball team camp. He said the team formed a really tight bond early on, which should benefit them later in the season.

“The key to any success this season will be determined by our ability to keep our opponents out of system, serve receive well and side out,” he said.

Contact me at jharvey@revcitysports.com or @HarveySports757 via Twitter.