LAPEL — While the 2018 season for the Lapel volleyball team was one of its best recorded seasons (26-7), that was then, this is now.
The Bulldogs may have lost a strong core of players to graduation, but Coach Hilary Eppert has another group preparing to make their own mark.
“We’re filling those shoes and looking to see what they can do,” Eppert said.
Seniors Makenna Bauer, Zoe Freer, Delany Peoples and Makynlee Taylor combine hard hitting skills and defensive power to make a formidable quad. Bauer will see much more playing time this season as a strong server and at right back.
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Freer is the Bulldog power hitter. She led the team last year with 226 kills but also established herself as an all-around player, adding 43 blocks and more than 50 aces. Add Taylor to the mix with 173 kills last season, and Peoples (169) and the Bulldogs have a forceful and effective attack.
Junior Avery Bailey will work the back row, and another junior, Madi Carpenter, has some experience from last season as well.
Sophomore Emma Jackley has moved into the role of setter this year after working all summer, and Eppert said she’s impressed with her progress. Lexi Anderson is another of the strong group of sophomores. She will be an outside hitter.
“A lot of these girls don’t have varsity experience,” Eppert said, “but they’re catching up and some have played club volleyball.”
Strong leadership is in abundance for the Bulldogs. Playing with the older girls has made a big difference for the younger ones, Eppert said.
“They’ve really taken them under their wing.”
Two county rivals, Frankton and Pendleton Heights, will challenge the Bulldogs this season. Lapel has added Cowan and Daleville to the schedule and returns to the Shenandoah Invitational to defend its title for the third time.
Eppert said she has some lofty goals for the team. She wants to improve upon last year’s record and make a run at claiming both the Madison County title and a sectional title. More than anything, Eppert wants to see her team improving with every game.
The Bulldogs opened the season Aug. 20 at Elwood and have their home opener Aug. 26 against Daleville.
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Lapel High School varsity volleball roster
Seniors
Makenna Bauer
Zoe Freer
Delany Peoples
Makynlee Taylor
Juniors
Avery Bailey
Madi Carpenter
Sophomores
Ashlynn Allman
Emma Anderson
Lexi Anderson
Emma Jackley
Makayla Smethers
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