9th Region Preview: Walls remain despite region's progress

The region on the whole is tough, especially with a number of players in the state's northern three counties joining the numerous club opportunities in the area and volleyball participation numbers in the state at all-time highs.   However, some things have not changed in this region. The Notre Dame Pandas and St. Henry Crusaders maintain their dominance with 15 and seven region crowns, respectively since the postseason tournament expanded from eight to 16 regions in 2003.   Not only that, there have been no changes in terms of district champions these past four years.   Reigning District Champs   Notre Dame (34-4 last year)   The Pandas come into the season with question marks on defense after the graduation of six seniors including the electrifying Julia Grace, who along with Ava Tilden, took her talents to nearby Xavier University.   Even with that, it's hard to go against the grain with the 10-time state champions. Notre Dame promoted former players Madison Salkowski and Hannah Colvin to co-head coaches after they'd been on staff as assistants under the previous two co-head coaches. Since 2003, Notre Dame has won state championships in 2020 and 2022. The Pandas want nothing more than to go back on top after losing a tough one to rival Assumption, 3-2 (25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 15-25, 15-9) in the state semifinals last year at George Rogers Clark.   The Pandas will be young on defense with the four main candidates having a combined five games of varsity experience. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='800194' first='Dara' last='Jackson'] saw action in four games last year, but did play the libero spot on the [program_tooltip program_id='481203' first='Northern' last='Kentucky Volleyball Club'] 15-1 Tsunami squad against solid competition this spring. Jackson and another sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='727131' first='Kaia' last='Tilden'] are battling for the libero spot. Junior Emma Miller and freshman Elise Grout are also looking to make an impact on defense this year. Colvin said she's excited for the clean slate, noting those four are hungry, doing whatever they can to make sure balls don't hit the floor. Colvin credited the standard coming from the senior leadership.   On the other side, the Pandas return the usual size and speed with senior [player_tooltip player_id='379687' first='Lizzy' last='Larkins'] (pictured) returning for her fourth season as a varsity setter. Larkins credits Notre Dame and Elevation for helping her gain experience in the way she thinks as a setter. Larkins said her job is to set up hitters with hits they like and they can pound balls with. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='798218' first='Ellie' last='Osterkamp'] could also lead the offense some.   Notre Dame features four hitters above 6-0 with senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas'], junior outside/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484250' first='Teagan' last='Kondik'] and sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='727143' first='Makayla' last='Roose'] all stand 6-2 with senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='571992' first='Katie' last='Zwick'] listed at 6-1. Another sophomore in middle blocker/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='828388' first='Emma' last='Redlinger'] is 5-11. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='507601' first='Grace' last='Portwood'] and junior right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484450' first='Leah' last='Bowman'] are also reliable hitters.   "We have a few returners and a few fresh faces so we're able to build a fast and strong offense," Salkowski said. "I think with the experience of our setter and a few fresh faces that we'll be able to make up our own offense and really be able to get out there and put a fast-paced ball down, but that all starts on the defensive level so we have to focus on blocking as well."   Notre Dame opens the season at Conner on Aug. 18.   St. Henry (33-6)   The Crusaders came into last season with some question marks, but answered them quickly, especially with the rise of sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='610406' first='Kenadi' last='Sieg'] at libero, 6-1 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='828372' first='Violet' last='Main'] and setter [player_tooltip player_id='612108' first='Madelyn' last='Keipert'].   Veteran head coach Maureen Kaiser said the team saw great numbers try out, but decided to keep 10 players at the varsity level currently including those three. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='451098' first='Madi' last='Demler'] at setter and hitter brings diversity to the team and senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='828219' first='Emily' last='Helmers'] forced defenses to respect the middle. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='805561' first='Gianna' last='Butler'] also made a difference on the outside last year and senior [player_tooltip player_id='792902' first='Caroline' last='Tabeling'] did the same thing at defensive specialist.   Kaiser listed three varsity newcomers that should make a difference for the Crusaders this fall. They are senior [player_tooltip player_id='843371' first='Lauren' last='Taylor'] on the right side and middle along with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='727147' first='Molly' last='Blackburn'] on the outside and sophomore Stella Flick on both the outside and the middle.   Kaiser said the team has a number of depth and solid, athletic players. She said the multidimensional aspects should help the team be strong defensively. She wants the players to learn to attack balls, serve aggressive and play smart volleyball. Kaiser said the goal is to have fun learning each and every day and to stay healthy.   St. Henry has won four straight 34th District crowns. The last time the Crusaders did not win it was 2020 when Dixie Heights won its lone district crown.   St. Henry hosts Ludlow on Aug. 18.   Ryle (24-9)   The Raiders have won five consecutive 33rd District championships. The last time they did not win it came in 2019 when Cooper last won it.   The Raiders graduated three seniors from last year's team that hung tough with Notre Dame at home during the regular season before Lucy Trapp had to leave with a season-ending injury. Junior outside/middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535265' first='Rachel' last='King'] also had her season cut short because of an injury, but that gave experience to other hitters such as sophomore middle [player_tooltip player_id='712121' first='Ashley' last='Towner'].   Veteran Ryle head coach Tasha Lovins quickly pointed out the team has a solid core group returning. Lovins said the team will rely on versatility for offense and a solid defense.   The defense starts with senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='486910' first='Ria' last='Furuta'] along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='334217' first='Francesca' last='Hansel'], who helped the Tri-State Elite 16 Blue team to three club tournament wins and a tie for fifth place in the AAU National Tournament in the 16 Open Division. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='212347' first='Morgan' last='Heater'] returns for her fourth year on varsity. She did a lot of setting last year, but could take more hits with the emergence of sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='767630' first='Morgan' last='Gehring']. Gehring set up hitters and took swings on the outside for her club team Alpha A.61 this spring.   Freshman middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='731690' first='Layna' last='Wilkinson'] returns after improving last year and gaining valuable experience playing for Elevation's top 14U team in the spring. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='781286' first='Bridget' last='Burns'] could contribute at outside hitter or defensive specialist.   Ryle hosts Dunbar on Aug. 19 to start the season.   Highlands Bluebirds (29-10)   The Bluebirds won their eighth straight 36th District crown, but head coach Jim DeLong wanted to push the program beyond that. They equaled the 2019 with 29 wins and made it to the region semifinals for the first time since that season last year with the win over Cooper.   DeLong did not hesitate to say the team would like to break the 30-win barrier this year in addition to making more strides in the region tournament. The Bluebirds return the talent to do it starting with senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='276170' first='Hayden' last='Gessner'], who has played on varsity since her eighth grade season. Gessner along with seniors Mia Perron and Maddie Barlow give the Bluebirds a lot of experience with first touches.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='503792' first='Ava' last='Muzumdar'] returns after splitting time at setter last year and taking swings from the right side. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='590640' first='Liz' last='Perkins'] and two sound sophomores in left outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='590644' first='Alexis' last='Steinhauser'] and middle blocker/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='608333' first='Bella' last='Thomas'] are the team's leading returning hitters. DeLong also said sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='727125' first='Edy' last='Hobson'] is a newcomer to varsity the team is hoping to see good things from.   "The girls are working hard as we start to figure out everyone's role on the team," DeLong said. "We are looking forward to the Bluegrass State Games this coming weekend. Hopefully, we get a lot of things answered by the end of the weekend."   Highlands hosts Bishop Brossart to start the season Aug. 18.   33rd District   Conner (20-17)   The Cougars expected to make a third straight region tournament appearance last year, but fell short. Head coach Douglas Rabe said the young team is eager to prove itself. He said the players learned last year that showing up is not good enough. They need to have hard work and discipline.   Junior Makena Marks will be the libero with Addy Back listed as the top defensive specialist. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='780003' first='Lillian' last='Kamm'] could also play a big role in the back row. If they make clean first passes, the Cougars have a dynamic offense with junior [player_tooltip player_id='484447' first='Shylyn' last='Koerber'] returning. She could also take swings from the right side.   Koerber can set up two powerful hitters on the front line in senior 6-0 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='602465' first='Annika' last='Berwanger'] and sophomore 6-2 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='579836' first='Charlotte' last='Patton']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='782751' first='Alexis' last='Kampsen'] could also help on the right side. Kampsen and Patton could also set.   Conner will be tested out of the gate hosting Notre Dame on Aug. 18.   Cooper (13-21)   The Jaguars made it back to the region tournament last year after missing it the previous two seasons. The graduated seven seniors including Audrey Schilling and libero Addie Warth is no longer playing. However, veteran head coach Michelle Isaac said the Jaguars have some very strong talent to step into big varsity roles.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='777995' first='Lauren' last='Franks'] returns as a setter and defensive specialist and senior [player_tooltip player_id='749725' first='Violet' last='Birtcil'] returns as a defensive specialist. Senior middle/outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='777996' first='Jillian' last='Puckett'] and sophomore outside/right side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='751338' first='Isabella' last='Taylor'] are the two returning kills leaders and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='771300' first='Gisele' last='Slayback'] gives the Jaguars size in the middle. Eighth grade setter Lilli Brown could also set up the offense and junior [player_tooltip player_id='811366' first='Ava' last='Dunn'] is looking to contribute on the right side.   "We look to get those players some experience together with a platoon of outside hitters and some newer, talented players on the defensive side," Isaac said. "We will be scrappy and look to throw off the other teams' hitters with strong blocking and defenders who refuse to let the ball drop. I loke our young players that we are developing and some of the upperclassmen to lead by example."   Cooper plays in the Bluegrass Games over the weekend starting Friday at Tates Creek against Bardstown at 4 p.m. and Marshall County at 6 p.m.   Boone County (9-24)   The Rebels graduated one player, but it was a big one in Azaria Sweet because she led the team in kills and digs.   Boone County does return two sound juniors in setter [player_tooltip player_id='486908' first='Maddie' last='Yelton'] and libero [player_tooltip player_id='770336' first='Abby' last='Kindoll']. The Rebels also return junior [player_tooltip player_id='810654' first='Alivia' last='Miller'] and a nice blocker in junior in [player_tooltip player_id='840637' first='Madilyn' last='Smith'].   The Rebels open the season on Aug. 20 at Dayton against Carroll County then Ludlow.   Heritage Academy (12-12)   The Eagles battled to .500 last season. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='212299' first='Alexis' last='Stephens'] had a lot to do with that.   Heritage hosts Lloyd Memorial on Aug. 18 to begin the season.   34th District   Dixie Heights (10-19)   The Colonels begin a new era with Niah Drayton taking over as head coach.   Dixie Heights graduated five seniors including their leaders in kills and digs, but they do return several key hitters, senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='771865' first='Maddie' last='Kelly'] and have a promising junior defensive specialist in [player_tooltip player_id='557889' first='Payton' last='Bromley']. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='603784' first='Madison' last='Offner'] gives the Colonels power from the outside/right side with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='620750' first='Bailey' last='McQuinlin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='757909' first='Katie' last='Kennedy'] providing strength in the middle.   Drayton said mental toughness will be addressed when she took the job. The Colonels struggled with hitting several balls in a row into the net, thus digging holes often last year. Drayton said she's seen plenty of promise so far in terms of their grit and leadership.   "They want it, and they are willing to put in the hours to get better even if it means spending two to three hours in the gym training every day," Drayton said. "They lead the team in a positive manner and are ready for whatever comes at them."   The Colonels open the season Aug. 21 at Boone County.   Villa Madonna (22-8)   The Vikings made the region tournament for the first time since 2015 last year. It will be tough to repeat with the graduation of three solid seniors including Maya Kondik and [player_tooltip player_id='731698' first='Ellie' last='Breitling'] transferring to Notre Dame.   Veteran head coach Sandi Kitchen can start with senior defensive specialist/setter [player_tooltip player_id='248435' first='Victoria' last='Sebald'], junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='791679' first='Anna' last='Raziano'] and sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='835850' first='Mary' last='Chadwick']. She said the keys to success this year will be defense, aggressive serving and consistent hitting.   The Vikings take on Dayton and Gallatin County on Aug. 19 to start the season.   Ludlow (10-17)   The Panthers graduated four seniors, but veteran head coach Jodi Schmidt returns a good bit of experience starting with sophomore libero Shelby Ralton. Two seniors in Alex Adcock and [player_tooltip player_id='833130' first='Jayla' last='Bridges'] return as setters and defensive specialists with senior [player_tooltip player_id='816027' first='Lindsey' last='Richardson'] and freshman London Vogt returning as middle hitters.   Schmidt said the team will need the seniors and returning starters to provide consistency and experience as the team may be relying heavily on underclassmen with the anticipation of three freshman starters. Schmidt also said the team needs to improve daily in practices and games.   Ludlow travels to St. Henry on Aug. 18 to start the season.   Lloyd Memorial (12-20)   Jennifer Sams has taken over as head coach and Heather Pfalz has moved into an assistant role.   The Juggernauts graduated four seniors, but do return junior [player_tooltip player_id='792622' first='Brooklyn' last='Jackson']. Pfalz said the key to success comes down to discipline, chemistry and mindset. She said the group knows communication and trust is important. It's about showing up for each other, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.   Lloyd Memorial travels to Heritage Academy on Aug. 18 to start the season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/36-Macy-Armstrong-crop-1754x1152-1754016896.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-849985" /></figure>   35th District   Beechwood (25-9)   The Tigers have been young the past two years, but will be a seasoned team. Thus, they will be a tough out in the postseason evidenced by taking a set against St. Henry in the region quarterfinals.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='796736' first='Maggie' last='Dawson'] is the libero with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='476283' first='Emma' last='Stewart'], [player_tooltip player_id='797739' first='Piper' last='Steinmetz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='795319' first='Kate' last='Harris'] providing support on defense. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='456668' first='Skylr' last='Estep'] also returns with junior Hailey Flaherty also possibly doing some setting.   They have a number of powerful hitters to set with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='484443' first='Macy' last='Armstrong'] (above) and [player_tooltip player_id='827943' first='Teegan' last='Becker'] handling things in the middle. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='484442' first='Isabel' last='O'Brien'], [player_tooltip player_id='456263' first='Rachel' last='Lewandowski'] along with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='397726' first='Isabel' last='Bakker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='807991' first='Kendale' last='Lair'] giving the teams options on the outside.   Veteran head coach Matt Long said the team needs to understand the significance of being a great team, work together and fight hard for the goals set this season. He said first touches will be key, then the Tigers hope to execute a decent offense across the net.   The Tigers host Scott on Aug. 18 to open the season.   Holy Cross (Covington) (19-17)   The Indians know they have a tough road back to the region, but head coach Jill Hunt and staff tend to get the most out of the players. They graduated four seniors, but return senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='212391' first='Olivia' last='McHenry'], junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='484458' first='Lucy' last='Lenihan'], freshman defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='809361' first='Avery' last='Sturgeon'] and freshman outside hitter/setter [player_tooltip player_id='731693' first='Lacey' last='Hunt'].   The Indians host Bishop Brossart on Aug. 19 to begin the season.   Holmes (1-25)   The Bulldogs have nowhere to go but up. Their lone win last year came against Covington Latin.   Holmes opens the season Aug. 21 at Calvary Christian.   36th District   Newport Central Catholic (15-21)   The Thoroughbreds are due for a return to their winning ways of the past and this group seems determined to make it happen. Veteran head coach Angie Reckers said she returns the largest number of players that consistently played in club or worked out on their own in the offseason, even if playing other spots, in a while.   NewCath may have graduated nine seniors, but does return a sound back row with junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='484445' first='Jordyn' last='Reckers'] in addition to senior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='540518' first='Paytin' last='Reckers']. Sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='512719' first='Charlotte' last='Stevie'] could take over that spot if not hit from the right side. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='776882' first='Kolbey' last='Kohrs'] could fill in at a number of spots. She played defensive specialist and outside hitter during club season, but set on the junior varsity team last fall at NewCath.   Junior [player_tooltip player_id='743567' first='Maura' last='Franzen'] looked good during club season hitting from the middle and outside. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='816320' first='Maddie' last='Sandfoss'] and Miley Wolf also hope to generate a lot of offense for the Thoroughbreds this fall.   Coach Reckers said the team has progressed quickly fine tuning skills and experimenting with various lineups. She said there have been some construction obstacles as the result of school improvements over the summer leaving them without a full court to practice on at times, but Reckers added that's made the team hungry to compete.   NewCath travels to Newport on Aug. 19 to start the season.   Dayton (13-21)   The Greendevils return two sound players in senior Emily Hall and sophomore Axie Jimenez. Senior Haley Leger gives Dayton sound play on defense.   Dayton hosts Pendleton County on Aug. 18 to start the season.   Bellevue (9-17)   Meghan Dean takes over a team that graduated three seniors from last year. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='831152' first='Chloe' last='Reed'] is one of the team's leading returning players.   The Tigers take on Calvary Christian and Grant County on Aug. 19 at Dayton.   Newport (1-18)   The Cats struggled in Jessica Perrin's first season guiding the team with the lone win coming over Holmes. The good news is the team only had one senior.   Newport hosts Newport Central Catholic on Aug. 19.   Players to Watch    Zwick had some big moments for the Pandas last fall. She's seeking more consistency this year. Zwick rises high and powers balls past blocker with her size. Zwick also helps Notre Dame control the net with her timely blocking. Zwick said she's focused on picking up her leadership roles with the graduation of several hitters off last year's team in order for Notre Dame to be the best team possible.     Blackburn's family likes to leave marks not only in volleyball, but many sports and Blackburn hopes to do it as well. Blackburn takes great swings pounding balls to the back rows from both pins. She places balls well and has worked on her rhythm during the club season.     Gehring is displaying the hustle that generally makes coaches proud. She takes sound swings on the outside and does a great job setting up hitters for success. Gehring does a variety of sets and mixes in setovers to keep defenders on their toes. She dives when necessary under control to keep plays alive.     Hobson has the size to make an impact in the middle for the Bluebirds and that's what the coaching staff is hoping for this season. She has good form on her blocks and takes sound swings.     Becker has the size to dominate the net and makes the most of it. Becker gets excited after Beechwood and it spreads throughout the team. She takes a good approach and follows through well on her hits. Becker also does a good job watching opposing hitters and timing her blocks.    Region Fast Facts   Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions: 52-19   Most Region Crowns since 2003: Notre Dame with 15 including two state championships.   Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and a half and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.

The region on the whole is tough, especially with a number of players in the state's northern three counties joining the numerous club opportunities in the area and volleyball participation numbers in the state at all-time highs.