Northridge volleyball players, coach fitting into new roles

JOHNSTOWN — The Northridge volleyball team welcomed a challenging first scrimmage against visiting Fredericktown on Wednesday.

Ready or not, the beginning of the Vikings’ regular season is a meatgrinder later this month, so they are attempting to connect on the fly. New coach Duane Douglas is leaning on seven seniors to make that happen.

"It's hard to get used to a team when none of the underclassmen have ever experienced varsity play, so that's a big adjustment," senior Kora Garee said. "We just really need to practice more as a team. Today was our first time running a lineup."

Douglas is Northridge’s third head coach in three seasons, replacing Tony Keys. He was on Keys’ staff when the Vikings reached their third consecutive Division III district final last season following the program's trip to the regional final in 2020 under Rex Carr, who then moved on to Watkins Memorial.

Northridge graduated all of its statistical leaders from last season. The Vikings dropped four competitive sets Wednesday to the Freddies, who won 20 matches last season, and the teams also played several short sets simulating late-game situations.

"This is really the first time we've had our team together because we've had the fair obviously. There were some growing pains," said Douglas, whose team opens the regular season at Cardington on Aug. 20 in a rematch of the last two district finals. The Vikings then open Licking County League play at home against defending Buckeye Division champion Watkins Memorial on Aug. 23 and defending Cardinal champion Newark Catholic two nights later.

"Once we get a little more experience together, we will be a lot better," Douglas added. "The seniors did a lot for me with all of the open gyms. They are good leaders for this team."

Seniors Nicole BeVier, Darla Dorman and Sara Roser have the most varsity experience in the front row, and classmate Maddie Reese and junior Maddie VanScoy also will help out with offense.

The hitters are working for the first time with sophomore setters Laney Higgins and Taryn Eblin. They have the unenviable task of replacing four-year stalwart Claire Shank.

"I am just trying to work with them, talk to them and have them talk to me," BeVier said. "We really just have to work on building that relationship. I like both of them, so we should be able to build it pretty easily."

Senior libero Mia Bartlett and Garee will lead the defense from the back row with VanScoy getting several tips at the net in the middle on Wednesday. The defense was tested by aggressive serving from the Freddies and certainly will be by the powerful hitters down the road.

The Vikings know they have a tall task ahead, but they have a championship pedigree. Their bonds are tight, too.

"Even though we haven't been together as a team, we all like each other and are cohesive," BeVier said. "It's just practicing together and getting used to each other on the court, which is a big thing."

ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com

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