Poland volleyball team a scrappy bunch

August 28, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

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By GREG GULAS

The Poland High girls volleyball team graduated four seniors from last year’s 14-8 squad, but a strong returning nucleus has head coach Fred Smith hoping his current version of Bulldogs volleyball can continue to feed off last season’s success.

Now in his 17th season at the helm, Smith notes that his 2010 squad might just be the scrappiest of them all.

“We’re young and somewhat inexperienced, but scrappy. Our players have worked hard in the off-season and are ambitious now to hit the court,” Smith explained.

“We expect our returning letterwinners and upperclass players to be our leaders both on and off the court.”

Lost to graduation are Lauren Tadla, Leanna Yeager, Kristin Shepherd and Emma Buzzas.

They will be replaced by four seniors, including Amanda Molaskey, Jenna Slowinski and twins Rachel and Krystle Kalafut.

The lone junior on the squad is McKenzie Mulligan, while three sophomores and a freshman will fill out the roster.

The sophomores are Kayla Smith, Abbey Jones and Raenna Hurtz. The top freshman is Allison Bereard.

“This is a group that works hard both on and off the court. They listen exceptionally well and if that is an indication of things to come, then we should be alright,” Smith added.