The Cardington-Lincoln volleyball team is coming off successful season where the Pirates went 22-4 and 12-0 in KMAC play, taking the district and KMAC titles. While the team lost seven starters to graduation which included three first-team All-KMAC players and KMAC Player of the Year Audrey Brininger, the JV team has been unstoppable the last three years and Coach Ryan Treese sees a group of players who can step in and fill the holes to push toward another big season. Thus far, the push has started with a 3-3 record and 1-1 with KMAC followjung a 3-0 win over Danville, Aug. 29.
"Stepping and being our go to hitter this year is Lily Clark, senior," said Coach Treese, who is entering his sixth season at the helm and coming off a season where he was named KMAC Coach of the Year. "Also setter Abby Ufferman. Making the jump to the next level is Madison Caulkins, 6 foot 1 middle. If she clicks she can be a difference maker this coming year."
Brininger will be the biggest loss for the Pirates, as she was the team's leader with 386 kills, and also recorded 34 aces, 24 blocks and 235 digs. Cadie Long was first team All-KMAC and was especially strong on defense with 449 digs and 63 receptions. Setter Jadine Mills was All-KMAC as well, with 935 assists and a team high 60 aces. She also had 27 blocks. Izzy Wickline was second team All-KMAC in her senior year, posting a team high 90 blocks, and her 194 kills were good for second on the Pirates. She also led the team with a .500 hitting percentage. Fellow second teamer Madison Links had 164 kills, 29 blocks and 176 digs.
While these are tough players to lose as they were some of the best in the conference, Treese pointed out that the JV squad went 47-7 the last three years showing that there are players ready to step in. He said two freshmen who will see plenty of time on the court are Lundyn Belvins and Alexis Longsdorf. The team also added Genevieve Longsdorf to the squad. The star softball pitcher will be a hitter for the Pirates this season and expected to be a difference maker.
Other players who have impressed Treese are senior outside hitter Autumn Holt, liber Rylee Donkin and Belvins, who is competing for the starting defensive specialist spot.
The Pirates use a 5-1 system and Treese said he feels this fits best with the hitters. He said this eliminates worry about two setters and the timing involved. The team also uses a hybrid defense.
Last season the Pirates lost a playoff game in the fourth round, ending their season and snapping a 15 game winning streak. The team may have some big holes to fill, but with the reigning coach of the year at the top and a team full of hungry players, Treese sees big things on the horizon once again for Cardington-Lincoln.
"Top three in the league is always the goal until it doesn't happen," Treese said.
