PREVIEW: Eagles hope to make big leaps

     It’s not often a team that recorded just one win the previous season sets its sights on contending for division honors the next year.

     But with seven letter-winners returning from last year’s 1-26 team, and a host of Tri-Rivers Conference opponents that lost several players to graduation, third-year coach Eric Smith is aiming high.

     “We struggled last year to get a win as well as establish an identity,” Smith said. “I believe that is all behind us this season. We have a great group of girls who are working hard and becoming more confident in their own individual play as well as uniting as a team.

     “I like our chances to be near the top (of the TRC, East Division). We only lost two seniors from last season and have added many new faces that will receive playing time this year.”

     The Eagles have a core group that has played together, both during the season and in off-season club volleyball, for three years, the coach said.

     Returning letter-winners include senior setter Calli Markmann, junior hitters Delanie Uppena, Drew Jensen, Emma Dusanek, and Mikayla Dosland; junior libero Kayla Folkers, and sophomore hitter Brennah Ricketts.

     “We have multiple hitters this season who can help us receive some wins,” Smith said. “Defensively, we are still working out the kinks in practice. If we want to compete this year, the whole team needs to get disciplined at staying low and getting into our defensive coverage. Having girls that can get big and take away large areas of the court is going to be crucial to our success.”

     Smith said Easton Valley and Bellevue Marquette will be among the East Division contenders this year, while Springville is the favorite in the West.

     Ryan Steines is the assistant coach.