OnFocus Season Preview: Phillips Loggers Volleyball
Coaching staff: Colin Hoogland
Asst Coaches: Jojo Baratka, Sashene Petruzalek, Emily Knipp, Jill Hoogland, Jerri Hibbird, Courtney Krawczyk
Key returners: Mataya Eckert (senior outside hitter/middle) 2 year starter and Marawood North 2023 All conference 1st team 2022 All conference 2nd team
Lily Miller (senior setter) 2 year starter 2023 honorable mention all conference
Kendra Timmers (senior middle) 2x letter winner
Layla Staroba (sophomore libero) 1x letter winnee
Key newcomers: Annaka Tobias (freshmen outside hitter) Mya Hertlein (freshmen opposite) Chloe Esterholm (freshmen defensive specialist)
Conference outlook: Phillips has won 3 of the past 4 conference titles, including winning the conference cross over Stratford of the Marawood South last year. In 2023 several teams graduated key players. The expectation is for a balanced conference with several teams in the mix for the title. Currently Prentice is ranked #5 in D5, Athens honorable mention in D5 and Phillips #6 in D4. Abbotsford and Rib Lake both have strong teams that are definitely in the mix. Chequamegon has demonstrated an improved competitive team for 2023.
Keys to your success this season: The senior leadership is essential when the line up includes 3 freshmen and 2 sophomores. Consistency on first contacts and good communication will be other keys to success.
Coach’s comments: anything else you’d like to share? Mataya Eckert will be one of the top players in northern Wisconsin and will be fun to watch. The Loggers are off to an 8-2 start to the season including a victory over Stratford and a 2nd place finish in the strong Marathon tournament where they dropped the championship match 1-2 to Marathon. Conference action begins on Sept 10 with a match at Prentice.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
