The 2020 volleyball season has a lot in store when it comes to drama and questions.
Can the Nation Ford Falcons three-peat? How improved with Fort Mill be? What does the season have in store for Catawba Ridge?
All of these questions will be answered in time. The season for all three schools starts Tuesday, Sept. 8. The season is shortened due to the coronavirus and playoffs are scheduled to start Oct. 27 with the finals being between Nov. 4-7.
Each team’s schedule is subject to change throughout the season.
Nation Ford
The Falcons are coming off back-to-back 5A state titles and the question is, what are their chances to three-peat in a season this crazy out of the gate? Head coach Carrie Christian said there is a chance.
“We have to state 100 percent healthy,” she said. “We have a solid core group. As long as we stay healthy, we can do well.”
Nation Ford lost a key player to graduation in Sophie Fischer, but has other players with talent and more importantly – experience. The Falcons also have youth this year as well.
“We got some newcomers helping us out too,” Christian said.
The team has eight seniors this year and four starters back. Two key players this year for Nation Ford to be successful will be Taylor Atkinson and Hannah Neff.
“Taylor will be our go-to hitter and Hannah is our spark plug,” Christian said.
The Falcons won’t be hosting their invitational tournament this season, but do have several tri-and quad-matches. Nation Ford opens the season Tuesday against Fort Mill.
Fort Mill
The Jackets should be much improved this season with nine returners back from last year’s squad that made the playoffs. Fort Mill has 13 on the team this year with all either being on the varsity or JV team.
“We have a great squad this year,” said head coach Kelly Jones. “Everyone has worked hard in the off season. Our girls came back stronger than where we left off last season. I am looking forward to putting up better competition.”
Jones said she feels that Fort Mill can contend for the Region 3-5A title and should have no trouble being playoff bound.
“We have got a lot of offensive threats,” she said. “We have an awesome team this year.”
Several key components to Fort Mill’s offense this year will be Lauren Ambrose, Abby Snearly and Ally Hall.
“Not only are they fabulous athletes, but they are great leaders too,” Jones said.
Fort Mill will open the season against Nation Ford Tuesday, Sept. 8 and will have only dual matches on their schedule.
Catawba Ridge
The Copperheads will open their season Tuesday, Sept. 8 at South Pointe. Being in a new region and new classification gives Catawba Ridge some harder competition. Head coach Alicia Lisee is confident in this year’s squad, despite their youth still.
“The girls understand how lucky they are to play,” she said.
Catawba Ridge has 11 players back from last year’s squad, all of which started. Last season, their first, the Copperheads made it to the second round of the playoffs. Lisee feels like with one year under their belt, it should be an attainable goal to get back to the playoffs this year.
“I expect communication to be a priority and more leadership,” Lisee said. “I definitely think the playoffs are attainable.”
This year’s squad will still be without seniors, but will have juniors and sophomores on the team, which should have a heavy dose of court maturity.
Look for the Copperheads biggest competition in Region 3-4A to come from South Pointe and Indian Land for a region title.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
