The Three Rivers volleyball team is hungry to top its first district championship in school history in 2012. And after finishing second in the Wolverine Conference West Division last fall, climbing just a few more feet is the goal.
Coming off a 32-18-10 record (lost in first round of regional play) and a league tournament title, the Wildcats boast a power trio of returning starters in seniors Carly Nichols (outside hitter) and Teagan Reeves (middle blocker), and junior middle blocker Hannah Landis. Nichols and Reeves received all-conference and all-region nods, and Landis was a Wolverine honorable mention. Reeves added a all-state honorable mention to her list of accomplishments as well.
“We plan on making another run for a conference and district title, along with playing well into the postseason,” head coach Brandy Stalhood said. “In order to make that happen, we will need to play with intensity and consistency. We will need to play tough defense and pass well in order for our offense to work.”
Three Rivers’ offense has the luxury of getting attacks from Nichols, Reeves and Landis from all over the floor.
“Those three will be our main offensive weapons,” Stalhood added. “They are very versatile and can hit from any position, which really opens up many possibilities.”
Those three alone, however, do not a title contender make. Seniors Kalie Cole (setter), Morgan Roderick (opposite side) and junior Taylor Schultz (outside hitter) bring a wealth of court time and maturity to the crew.
Junior newcomers Cheyenne Richardson, Bre Brown, Alexis Brown, Molly Hawkins, Alexis Herbert and sophomore Megan Southland bolster the 2013 roster.
“We should be at the top of our division this year,” Stalhood said. “Berrien Springs may challenge us along with South Haven.”
THREE RIVERS WILDCATS
Coach: Brandy Stalhood (third year)
2012 recap: Finished 32-18-10 for second place in the Wolverine Conference West Division and the program’s first district title. Lost to league foe Berrien Springs in the Class B regional semifinals.