Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

While football season has started and everyone is excited, another sport is also starting and it does not look to take a backseat at all to football. Volleyball Teams from all over the state are gearing up to make a run at the state tournament. One of those teams is Morgan County’s very own Priceville Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are looking to build off a very successful 2014 campaign in which they went 28-11. The Bulldogs will have to replace three key players off last year’s squad with outside hitter Alison Varner, Middle Hitter Shyanne Stackhouse, and Libero/DS Whittney Clark. However, the bulldogs will also have plenty of returning starters to help aide in their quest for gold. Senior Averi Dupont, who is a Libero/Defensive Specialist, had 246 digs last year as a DS and led the team in serving percentage with 96% (271/283). Senior Amanda Rotermund will be the Setter and she had 257 assists last year. Senior Abi Melendez: coming on strong this year in the Outside Hitter position which she also played last year. Senior Autumn Esack: very versatile player that can play any position, DS, Outside Hitter. Rounding out the returning starters is Junior Tori Vehrs, who will also see action as a setter. Vehrs had 292 assists last year and she served 90% with 285/316 serves. The Bulldogs will have several players that are stepping up that they have much confidence in. Among those is Junior Lana Monk whom has been a setter since 7th grade, is moving to a DS position and making great passes. Outside hitter Sophomore Ashlee Quinn, Freshman Middle Hitter Skyler Benson, and Freshman Kathleen Wheeler are hitting the ball hard. The Bulldogs will have plenty of experience and youth to balance their team this year and that should bode well for not just this season, but seasons to come as well. Head coach Catrina Mason is excited about the opportunities that await her team this year. “ I am expecting great things from or team this year” Mason said, “Our team has really bonded well and they should really play strong the whole season.” Mason’s Bulldogs will have to be ready early as they will take on the Decatur Red Raiders in their first game. It will be a tough task but the bulldogs are up to the challenge. Priceville will take on Decatur, August 27 at home starting at 4:00 p.m.