Volleyball has eye on the big prize

After a trip to the regional semifinals last season, the Tippecanoe volleyball team is ready to complete their mission… one that can be summed up in two words.

Unfinished business.

Coach Howard Garcia returns a lot of firepower from the team who only lost twice last season, and the expectations are at an all-time high for these young ladies. “The team performed well under the circumstances and granted we lost some key players to graduation, you have to replace those and other players back who will do the jobs of those who left,” Garcia said. “We have a good core of returning players with experience with good disposition for their school.” The kids who are back certainly remember last year’s disappointing finish, and Garcia knows it will be on their mind as they look to make the trip back.

“We went into New Richmond (district finals) and were down 2-0 and 14-11 in the third set. Tipp fought back to win that match 3-2 before falling to Ursuline Academy in the regional semis in Cincinnati. “We were up 13-11 in game five and let the ball drop, and Ursuline took advantage,” Garcia said, talking about the motivation it will give these players. “These kids can look at the board and it says Ursuline 3 Tipp 2.” “Everyone said that game was the state final game, which was true,” he added. “A couple of points here or there and we are playing for the gold.” Back to lead the charge this season are a group of five talented seniors to lead the way for the Red Devils, led by Grace College recruit and two-time all-Ohio player Savannah Clawson.

“Savannah is a great all-around six rotation player who is a great hitter for us,” Garcia said. She is joined in the senior class by Courtney Post, a solid player at the net. “She is a solid middle hitter and a tremendous college prospect with a lot of drive and a really good blocker,” the Tipp coach added. “She has a lot of positive vibes.” Bri Morris is also back as a senior and she will have the upper hand at the setter spot. “Bri is finally running the show by herself with good experience and is very athletic. As soon as she gets her feet down she will do a fantastic job.” Another senior will be Morgan Sessions. “She came in last year and filled the holes that we weren’t doing well,” Garcia said. “She did it with excellence.” An upcoming senior Kaylee Armstrong also is a setter coming in after getting some JV experience.  Juniors to watch include Lexi Luginbuhl who is a middle hitter with a great future at the college level according to Garcia. Faith Seifring is also back as one of the top liberos in the area.

Liz Hizer also is back and looks to be a big contributor after being the right side attacker. She can play all three positions and according to Garcia, she has gotten stronger. 

Other juniors to watch are Barton Blakley, Emersyn Sivon and Ava Jones. Sophomore Abbi Mader had a stellar freshman season and will be a major force this season at the net.