Senior Leadership Has Tri-Village Aiming High in WOAC

NEW MADISON — With five seniors, three accomplished returning starters and a promising group of newcomers, the Tri-Village volleyball team believes it has the pieces to contend near the top of the Western Ohio Athletic Conference.

The Lady Patriots finished 11-12 during Alaine Kirby’s first season as head coach, including an 8-3 conference record that placed them in a tie for third in the WOAC.

Kirby enters her second season with greater experience throughout the lineup and a senior class that will be responsible for setting the tone.

“Our senior class will provide strong leadership for our team this season,” Kirby said. “We will rely on our seniors to lead by example, both on and off the court, and help create a positive and supportive team environment.”

Senior captains Gabby Kirby and Zoe Ayette will be at the center of that leadership.

Kirby returns for her third season as a starting middle hitter after earning first-team All-WOAC and first-team District 9 recognition last year. She recorded 303 kills, the second-highest total in the conference, and led the WOAC in blocks.

She also holds Tri-Village’s single-match record with 24 kills. Her ability to affect the match as both an attacker and blocker makes her one of the conference’s most accomplished returning players.

Ayette is a second-year starter who gives the Lady Patriots versatility as a setter and outside hitter. She received second-team All-WOAC honors and District 9 honorable mention recognition last season.

Ayette is also approaching 1,000 career assists, providing a significant individual milestone to follow during the season. Her ability to set or attack gives Tri-Village additional flexibility in constructing its lineup.

Senior libero Mylee Bierly returns for her fourth year as a starter. A first-team All-WOAC and second-team District 9 selection last season, Bierly already owns the school record for career digs.

Her experience, court coverage and defensive leadership will be important for a team that wants to become more consistent.

Senior Bailey Frech returns for her second varsity season and will provide experience at the net. Claire Royer, another senior, returns after missing last season because of an injury. Royer’s comeback gives the Lady Patriots another experienced and versatile front-row player who can contribute in the middle or on the right side.

Several younger players will be asked to fill important roles around that senior group.

Junior Hannah Whaley can contribute as both an outside hitter and setter. Sophomore Ava Camacho adds versatility as an outside and middle hitter, while freshman Jillian Bierly will provide energy and depth as a defensive specialist.

The varsity roster also includes freshmen Gwenyth Moore, Libby Brewer and Payton Brubaker, giving the Lady Patriots several young players who can gain experience while learning from the senior class.

Kirby believes team chemistry is one of Tri-Village’s greatest strengths.

“We have great team dynamics, and our players genuinely enjoy being around one another and work well together,” Kirby said. “We also have a strong group of seniors who bring experience and leadership to the court.”

Consistency will be the Lady Patriots’ primary area of development. Several players are stepping into new varsity roles, and Kirby wants the team to become more dependable in every phase of the game as those players gain confidence.

Tri-Village provided an early indication of its potential during the Greenville Federal Volleyball Invitational.

The Lady Patriots defeated Newton and Greenville to reach the championship match against defending WOAC champion Arcanum. Tri-Village won a tightly contested opening set, 27-25, before Arcanum responded to win the next two and claim the tournament title.

Although fatigue became a factor late in the championship match, Tri-Village’s performance showed that it could compete with one of the conference’s established powers.

After finishing tied for third last season, Kirby expects the Lady Patriots to place themselves in the championship discussion.

“Our goal is to compete at a high level in every conference match and put ourselves in position to contend for the top of the WOAC,” Kirby said.

The program’s goals extend beyond wins and losses. Kirby wants her players to develop accountability, confidence, perseverance, teamwork and respect while becoming stronger volleyball players.

Most importantly, she wants the Lady Patriots to work hard, support one another and enjoy what they accomplish together.

With three decorated returning starters, Royer back on the court and five seniors providing leadership, Tri-Village has a strong foundation. If the Lady Patriots develop the consistency Kirby is seeking, they could become one of the most difficult teams in the WOAC to beat.

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Story and photos by Jim Freeman

PITSBURG — After enduring a 5-17 season a year ago, the Franklin Monroe volleyball team believes experience, defense and strength at the net can produce a much different result this fall.

The Lady Jets return nearly their entire roster for second-year head coach Ashley Day. Only two seniors departed from last season, leaving Franklin Monroe with a veteran group that already understands the challenges of varsity volleyball.

Day believes that experience could make the Lady Jets a contender in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference.

“I expect we could be a top contender in the WOAC this season,” Day said. “We have all of the girls returning except for two seniors last year.”

Franklin Monroe’s 10-player roster includes four seniors, three juniors and three sophomores.

Seniors Jaylin Swiger, Reagan Flora, Emma Muhlenkamp and Brooklyn Miller will be expected to provide the team’s leadership.

Flora anchors what Day expects to be one of the Lady Jets’ greatest strengths—their defense. A third-year starter at libero, Flora provides experience and consistency in the back row. She can also place pressure on opponents from the service line.

Muhlenkamp and Miller provide additional defensive and setting options, while Swiger gives Franklin Monroe experience in the middle of its front row.

Day believes the Lady Jets’ blocking could be just as important as their back-row defense.

“We have a strong and tall front line this season,” Day said.

Junior Lillian Heck adds another presence in the middle, while junior Savannah Miller can contribute as a defensive specialist or outside hitter. Junior Hailee Osborne is stepping into what Day described as a crucial defensive role in the back row.

Franklin Monroe also expects significant contributions from a talented sophomore class.

Brinley Flora is filling one of the outside-hitting positions left open by graduation. Her aggressive approach and ability to place attacks have already made her a valuable part of the offense.

Avery Riffle will contribute as an outside and right-side hitter, while Quincy Cox gives the Lady Jets another option as an outside hitter and defensive specialist.

Franklin Monroe plans to operate a 5-1 offense, using one setter to direct the attack throughout the rotation. Day wants the Lady Jets to play at a fast tempo, defend aggressively at the net and rely upon their experienced back row.

Communication and hitting consistency are the primary areas the team must continue developing. If the Lady Jets improve in those areas, their combination of defense and blocking could make them difficult to play against.

Franklin Monroe has already shown signs of progress.

The Lady Jets lost to Ansonia in straight sets during the Greenville Federal Volleyball Invitational but responded when the teams met again in their WOAC opener. With only one practice between the two matches, Franklin Monroe made the necessary adjustments and defeated the Lady Tigers in four sets.

Different players contributed during the conference victory. Reagan Flora helped stabilize the defense and apply pressure from the service line. Brinley Flora, Heck and Riffle gave the Lady Jets attacking options, while Swiger delivered important kills late in the match.

The victory moved Franklin Monroe to 2-2 overall and gave the Lady Jets a 1-0 start in conference play. More importantly, it provided early evidence that this experienced group may be ready to take a significant step forward.

Day would like to see Franklin Monroe finish in the top half of the WOAC, but her primary goal is more fundamental.

“My top goal is for the girls to go out there and have fun playing the game,” Day said.

That enjoyment may come more easily if the Lady Jets continue building upon their early improvement. With most of last season’s roster returning, four seniors setting the tone and a taller front line supporting an experienced defense, Franklin Monroe has reason to believe this season can be considerably different from the last.

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Story and photos by Jim Freeman

ANSONIA — After graduating five seniors from last year’s team, Ansonia volleyball coach Katie Walters understands that her young Lady Tigers will experience some growing pains this season.

That does not mean they are backing away from the competition.

Walters describes this year’s team as quick, scrappy, aggressive and competitive. Its greatest strength may be what she calls its “commitment to the process.”

“We have grown so much this summer,” Walters said.

Ansonia returns three junior starters in Charlotte Barga, Autumn Best and Shyann McKenna. Seniors Dani Gibbs and Elly Locke are also important returning players. Gibbs provides versatility as an all-around player, while Locke anchors the defense from the libero position.

Walters expects Barga, Best, McKenna, Gibbs and Locke to form the team’s leadership group.

Barga, the team’s speaking captain, is one of Ansonia’s strongest and most versatile players. Listed as a defensive specialist and outside hitter, the junior has the intelligence and composure to work through difficult stretches and become a significant threat when she finds her rhythm.

McKenna can contribute as both a setter and defensive specialist. Gibbs plays defensively and on the right side, while Locke’s experience at libero should be particularly important for a team working to improve its serve receive.

An early injury to Best has complicated Ansonia’s development. The junior middle and outside hitter was injured during the Greenville Federal Volleyball Invitational, forcing Walters to adjust her rotations and experiment with different combinations.

Best has continued contributing from the bench by encouraging her teammates and helping maintain the team’s energy.

The Tigers’ varsity newcomers and players taking on expanded roles include juniors Elise Hahn, Alyssa Idle, Brianna Waymire and Annie Wendel; sophomore Tara Seger; and freshmen Addison Smith, Josi Weiss and Layla Ryan.

Walters hopes to provide those players with valuable varsity opportunities as the season progresses. With only two seniors on the 13-player roster, the experience gained this year could benefit Ansonia well beyond the current season.

Communication and grit are the two areas Walters most wants the Tigers to develop. Improving their serving and serve receive will also be important as they work toward becoming a more consistent team.

Ansonia displayed both its potential and its youth during the Greenville Federal Invitational. The Tigers defeated Franklin Monroe in straight sets and played competitive three-set matches against Mississinawa Valley and Newton.

Franklin Monroe reversed the invitational result in the teams’ first full conference match, winning in four sets at Ansonia. The Tigers nevertheless showed their fight by recovering from a difficult opening set and winning the second, 25-20. They also remained tied midway through the fourth before the Lady Jets pulled ahead.

Those competitive moments provide something for a young team to build upon.

Ansonia’s immediate goal is to compete with every team in the WOAC. Its larger goals are to improve throughout the season, represent the program with pride and prepare itself to make a postseason run.

For Walters and the Tigers, reaching those goals will depend upon embracing the process, continuing to compete and becoming a more connected team with each opportunity on the court.

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Story and photos by Jim Freeman

ARCANUM — Arcanum may return only one established starter from last season’s undefeated WOAC championship team, but the Lady Trojans have no intention of lowering their expectations.

Head coach Jacie Holman’s team finished 20-6 last season, went 11-0 in conference play and captured the WOAC championship. Arcanum entered this season with a different-looking lineup, but also with the desire to build upon that success.

“Our team’s strength this year is our desire to want to win and be the best team we can be every time we step onto the court,” Holman said. “We had such a successful season last year, and these girls want even more this year.”

Senior libero Cameron Garbig provides the foundation for the retooled lineup. A three-year starter, Garbig received Special Mention All-WOAC honors in 2024 and was named to the second team in 2025.

Holman considers Garbig vital to Arcanum’s offense and defense because of her communication, court awareness and ability to place her serve in difficult locations.

The Trojans also return seniors Ella Flatter, Emily Fox and Jordyn Garbig.

Flatter has played on the right side for three years and provides a steady presence capable of making important plays. Fox and Jordyn Garbig give Arcanum two experienced defensive specialists who read opposing hitters well and are willing to pursue difficult balls.

Sophomore setter Halle Bennett returns to direct the offense. Her familiarity with Arcanum’s hitters and effectiveness from the service line should make her an important part of the team’s success.

Junior middle hitter Gabrielle “Gabby” Nottingham gives the Trojans a threat at the net. Nottingham can locate open areas in an opposing defense, while also contributing as a blocker and back-row defender when needed.

Several players are stepping into larger varsity roles.

Junior setter Mollei Gilbert brings a strong understanding of her hitters and the ability to place her serve throughout the court. Junior Kennedy Freeman provides a different challenge as a left-handed right-side hitter, while junior outside hitter Addie Macy combines a strong swing with good court awareness.

Junior Gabrielle Wooten is moving from the middle to the right side, where her height and ability to read hitters should make her a significant blocking presence.

Sophomores Harlow Etherington and Harper Smith will also contribute at the net. Etherington brings a solid swing and an ability to adjust to the defense, while Smith made significant progress during the offseason and defends the net well from the middle. Sophomore Katrina Baker adds depth as a defensive specialist.

Despite returning numerous varsity contributors, Holman said consistency will be Arcanum’s greatest developmental challenge. Some rotations may contain only one or two players who saw substantial action last season.

“When we get in a groove, it is hard to stop us,” Holman said. “But we just need to learn to play consistently versus playing our best and then playing mediocre.”

The Trojans demonstrated their resilience while capturing their fourth consecutive Greenville Federal Volleyball Invitational championship. After losing a close opening set to Tri-Village in the championship match, Arcanum responded by winning the next two sets to secure the title.

Holman wants the Trojans to play intelligently and aggressively, eliminate their own mistakes and force opponents to earn points. Rather than looking too far ahead, Arcanum divides each set into smaller races—first to five points, then first to 10—allowing the players to concentrate on the immediate moment.

The Trojans understand that winning last season’s championship placed a target on the program. Their response is to embrace it.

Holman believes the WOAC race could be competitive from night to night. Arcanum’s goals include another conference championship and a deep postseason run, but the Trojans know neither can be achieved in one evening.

Their focus remains one match, one set and one point at a time.

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Story and photos by Jim Freeman

Mississinawa Valley reached impressive heights during Taylor Roark’s first season as head coach, finishing 21-5 and capturing a district championship.

The challenge now is sustaining that success with one of the WOAC’s youngest rosters.

The Blackhawks return three accomplished senior starters, but the remaining seven players on their 10-player varsity roster are freshmen and sophomores. Mississinawa Valley does not have a junior listed.

Roark believes the combination of veteran leadership and young talent can keep the Blackhawks in contention for the WOAC championship while giving them an opportunity to defend their district title.

Senior middle hitter Gretchen Rodeheffer leads the returning group. A four-year starter and Honorable Mention All-WOAC selection, Rodeheffer provides Mississinawa Valley with experience and stability at the net.

Senior Ava Hummel returns at setter after two seasons as a starter, while senior Ella Godfrey is back for her second season as the starting libero.

Roark expects all three seniors to provide leadership, along with sophomore setter Ella Livingston.

“Each player will contribute to the team’s success,” Roark said.

Livingston and sophomore right-side hitter Addy Preston are two of the team’s key returning players. Sophomore defensive specialist Aubrey Lang also gives the Blackhawks another young player capable of contributing in the back row.

Four freshmen complete the varsity roster.

Mylie Austerman will contribute as a middle hitter, while Kate Hartzell joins the attack as an outside hitter. Defensive specialists Harper McGlothlin and Madi Neiport will work to provide additional back-row depth.

The roster’s youth will inevitably lead to teachable moments. Roark said the Blackhawks must learn to overcome the mistakes that come with inexperience. She believes the team’s cohesion and work ethic will help it through those stretches.

“Our greatest strengths include our ability to work as a team toward a goal,” Roark said. “We have cohesion, hustle and heart.”

Mississinawa Valley intends to play at a fast pace offensively and support that attack with a scrappy defense. The presence of two capable setters should give Roark flexibility as the younger hitters adjust to varsity competition.

The Blackhawks finished second in the WOAC last season before advancing to win a district championship. Roark believes graduation losses throughout the conference have created an open race this year.

She expects defending champion Arcanum, Tri-Village and Newton to be among the leading contenders, but also believes every match begins with an equal opportunity.

“The score always starts 0-0,” Roark said.

Mississinawa Valley received an early test at the Greenville Federal Volleyball Invitational. The Blackhawks defeated Ansonia in three sets before falling to eventual champion Arcanum and Greenville, finishing fourth overall.

Those matches provided valuable court time for a team attempting to combine three proven seniors with seven underclassmen.

Roark enters her second season at Mississinawa Valley with a 21-5 record at the school. She is beginning her fourth season overall as a varsity head coach and entered the year with a 44-29 career record.

The Blackhawks’ goals remain high. They want to improve each day, compete for the WOAC championship and put themselves in position to win another district title.

Whether they reach those goals will depend upon how quickly the young players adjust and how effectively the experienced seniors lead them. Mississinawa Valley may be youthful, but after last season’s breakthrough, the program is no longer taking anyone by surprise.

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