Fall Sports Previews: Volleyball, Boys and Girl’s Golf

Defending State Volleyball champs ready for another big run

Returning State Champion Volleyball team

Last year was last year ..., but there is no denying a state championship does wonders for a program.

The Tippecanoe volleyball team begins their new season next week, and coach Howard Garcia knows that the target has grown on their backs. Not only in the league but across the state.

“It will be a challenge for us because when you win the state championship, you are crowned the Queen of the Mountain. Now all the sudden, all the dynamics have changed,” Garcia said. “In our scrimmages, teams have looked at us in a different light.”

“There is a lot of weight that has to be carried. I think those girls who return from last year's championship know what it takes. But now it is new to them to be exposed to the pressure of that outcome.”

“The team is also composed of a lot of new players, and hopefully the ones who are back from having that experience can translate that to the ones who are new.”

The first goal is the Miami Valley League, which the Red Devils have dominated the last several years, including not losing a set last year. Garcia said his program has the same four goals this year as every year.

“We need to be a better version of ourselves, defend the conference, be state-ranked, and win the state championship,” he said. “For the MVL, we have been there for several years and don’t know what a defeat is, but that doesn’t mean something can happen. There are a couple of teams that have improved a lot, but we also have good experience back who have been in big battles. We will have some ups and downs this year, but the team most likely to challenge us will be Butler.”

Several seniors return to lead the way, and Garcia is excited to see what this group can do for the porgram.

Lexi Luginbuhl is back as a four-year starter and will play in the middle again this year for Tipp.

“She is one of the best middles this conference has seen in quite a while,” Garcia said. “She is consistent and carries a lot of the burden herself now as a college prospect.

Also back is another key player from last year, Liv Hiser, who Garcia calls the ‘unsung hero’.

“She is always doing the dirty work with net play. She was on the right side, and she always performed. This year she will be our six-rotation outside hitter.”

Senior Faith Siefring also returns as a converted libero.

“She is one of the best liberos in the state of Ohio and is not recognized because she has no interest in going to play in college. Everyone is talking about the ones going to play in college,” Garcia said. “If you put her side-by-side, she is equal or better than them.”

“One of the best defenders and best passers we have ever had in this program. She showed that in the state tournament run last year.”

Also back is Ava Jones, who is expected to take on the setter role, taking over for Bri Morris. Other seniors being counted on this year are Emersyn Sivon, Blakely Barton, Gianna Szwarc, Skylar Carrier, and Cora Cooper.

Junior Abbi Mader will be one of the top players in Ohio, as she returns as an all-state player. The multi-sport standout is a force at the net.

“She is a phenomenal physical specimen, strong and quick,” Garcia said. “She has done a great job taking on the role of the primary outside hitter. Her backrow play has also really improved tremendously.”

Other juniors ready for the season are Ella Ballard and Katelyn Brooks, while sophomores Avery Gagnon and Claire Bailey look to both be strong contributors.

Tipp opens their season next Monday hosting Greenville.

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Girls soccer have eyes for elusive MVL title

Tipp Boy’s Golf

Boy’s and Girl’s Golf success expected to continue for Red Devils

Tipp Boy’s Golf

The Tippecanoe boys golf team has dominated the Miami Valley League the last several years, and from the way things are starting this year, that could well continue.

After a win at the Southeastern Invitational and runner-up at the Greenville Invitational, coach Aaron Jackson is pleased with where his team is so far in the early season.

“We lost three seniors from last year, and you always wonder who is going to step up,” Jackson said. “We have three more seniors this year who have stepped up great.”

Thomas Miller is their number one golfer and has produced well in the first two matches, while Andrew Gagnon sits at number two and Grant Paulet is in the third spot for Tipp.

“Those three have stepped up early for us so far, and we are counting on them to continue what we have done the past couple of years.”

“Thomas is such a grinder. Last week we played at Locust Hills, and he played there over the weekend. He is always out hitting balls and trying to find that advantage.”

“Andrew is very similar,” Jackson said. “He knows the game well and is very smart. Grant is also very similar to Thomas, out playing all the time and played tournaments all summer long.”

Jacon Harshbarger comes over from soccer and looks to be a factor this year.

“He came to some of our summer stuff with us, and has been a nice addition,” Jackson said. “He was our three-man in our opener and four today.”

After that, Jackson stated seven kids are within three strokes of the 4-6 spots. The coach hopes to rotate kids into those spots which will help the team succeed.

As usual, Tipp’s first goal is to win the conference, something they have gotten used to the last several years.

“The conference is going to be tough,” Jackson said. “Butler (who won the Greenville Invite) is very good, Troy is always really good, and Sidney is very good this year. So the top of the MVL is very tough this year. We are going to have to fight and claw and see what happens.”

Tipp Girl’s Golf

Tipp Girl’s Golf

The Tipp girls golf team has won four consecutive MVL titles, but this year they return no all-conference players to the mix. This means kids will have to step up and rely on some of the other returning golfers.

Back this year are senior Bristol Kovaleski, juniors Aubree Wright, Makena Otto and Lilli Menard.  Returning sophomores are Avery Watkins and Lili Garvin. 

The new faces this year are juniors Mia Henderson, Addi Kleather and freshman Adalynn Drum.  “The team goals are the same, and those are to win the MVL and qualify for the Division I District tournament,” said coach Scott Murray. “The MVL should be fairly balanced this year.  Golf doesn't have any youth programs, junior high teams, Dayton Metro or any development programs like most other sports do. In order for the program to remain one of the most successful in the area, the players must continue to work hard in practice and improve each year they are in the program.”