Out-hustle, out-work, out-think, outplay, and outlast: That’s the Utica Volleyball team’s rallying cry this fall.
Hoping to improve upon last year's 8-15 overall mark (5-10 in Licking County League play), Utica head coach Lisa Ritzer is looking to the seniors to lead an inexperienced squad to better results.
“We have three returning varsity players and graduated seven seniors from last season’s lineup. We are young in experience, but our returning players are stepping up to fill roles that are needed,” Ritzer said.
Ritzer begins her third season as head coach following a stint as an assistant coach under Laurie Londot.
“I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to coach under Laurie Londot for six years. Her experience and knowledge of the game are phenomenal," Ritzer said.
Abby Buchanan, Riley Thompson, Aubrey Hughes, Carlie Parsons and Ellie Boggs are the senior members of the squad. Parsons and Boggs return to the varsity lineup in a variety of capacities.
“Carlie has transitioned this year from defensive specialist to outside hitter and playing all the way around, and Boggs is returning as a middle hitter who we will be looking to more for consistent net play,” Ritzer said.
Junior Emma Kimpel brings additional experience to the young Redskins team in a new role. “She (Kimpel) has transitioned from defensive specialist to outside hitter and playing all the way around,” Ritzer said.
Junior Emilee Ellis is returning for her third varsity season is a setter, and her experience will benefit her as the Redskins’ floor leader.
Sophomore Alexa Gosnell, who replaced Utica graduate and current MVNU freshman Bella Ellis, rounds out the starting lineup as a setter.
Abby Buchanan has shown the most improvement coming into her senior season, Ritzer said.
“She has stepped up and taken on a new hitting role for us this year. She has embraced the challenge this summer and worked hard to fill the other middle-hitting position needed after the graduation of Lilly Borem," Ritzer said.
Utica’s top kill artists last year were Ellis (fourth on the team) with 56 and Hannah Shaver (fifth) with 37. Ellis led the team last season in service aces with 55 and was second on the Redskins' 2021 squad with 169 digs. Parsons was fourth with 163 digs.
Utica intends to run a 6-2 system this year in order to maximize team strengths. Ellis (junior) and Alex Gosnell (sophomore) will be splitting setting duties
“This allows us to move the ball to various hitters along the net and have three hitting options the majority of the time,” Ritzer said.
As one of the smallest schools in the Licking County League, the Redskins must play up every match.
“As with every year, we consistently play a tough schedule in the LCL. Our goal is to come out and compete every night and improve upon our wins from last season,” Ritzer said.
“This summer has been about getting back to basics and helping our players get ready for the speed of the varsity game. Our focus has been on fundamentals and using our strengths as a team to our advantage,” Ritzer said.
Utica starts its home season Saturday, Aug. 20, vs. Fredericktown at 11:30 a.m.
