One coach called it a coin flip.
The regulars atop the Chesapeake Division of the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference — Bel Air, C. Milton Wright, Patterson Mill and Fallston — graduated players, reloaded with talent and boast experienced coaching staffs that find ways to win. Any of the quartet is capable of making a state playoff run, meaning each matchup with one another comes with a playoff feel. Only time will tell.
Here’s a look around the county (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information):
Aberdeen
Coach: Robin Landis, first season
Last year: 8-10
Top returners: Seniors Lia Lucas (L) and Jaliyah Lane (S).
Newcomers to watch: N/A
Coach’s outlook: “As a new coaching staff, we are super eager to start the season. We have some great new ideas for the players and are focusing on playing hard, having fun, trying our best and leaving it all out on the court.”
Bel Air’s Anna Kane receives a serve in front of teammate Annalise Lewis during a match at Patterson Mill last season. (Brian Krista/Staff)
Bel Air
Coach: David Simon, sixth season
Last year: 11-7, state quarterfinalist
Top returners: Seniors Anna Kane (RS/S), Olivia Mannion (OS), Lilia Dziedzic (L), Aubrie Faulkner (MB/RS), Lucy Griger (MB/RS) and Sophie Rivera (RS); juniors Emma Duvall (S), Annalise Lewis (MB/OS), Hayden Pennypacker (OS) and Julie Stillwagon (OS).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Annie Sorrells-Koukounaras (DS), Aya Srisukwattananan (DS) and Claire Bowden (DS); sophomores Gaby Watts (LB) and Mari Brady (S).
Coach’s outlook: “After being the dominant team from 2019 to 2022 and losing one time in the conference, we took six tough losses in the conference last year. This year we have a strong and fun core of 10 returners and five newcomers that are hungry to return to the top of their conference. It won’t be easy but the team comes in refocused with hitting options all over the court. Last year was a wake up call. This year we want to show everyone we are back.”
C. Milton Wright’s Maddie Duffalo makes a play on the ball in front of teammate Olivia Kobb during a match last season. (Brian Krista/Staff)
C. Milton Wright
Coach: Dave Naugle, sixth season
Last year: 16-3, regional champs
Top returners: Seniors Ana Mioduski (OH), Maddie Duffalo, (OH), Jenna Ritz (S) and Olivia Kobb (OH).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Grace Boseck (MH) and Luna Musto (S); sophomore Isabella Shaw (OH); freshman Elizabeth Costello (MH).
Coach’s outlook: “We have eight players returning this year, including two four-year players, two three-year players and four two-year players. They are a cohesive bunch of girls who’ve been playing with each other for quite a while, including some on the same club team. We have some really good new players joining us, and almost all of our girls are top players within their respective club programs. With the experience and lessons learned from last season, I believe we have a good chance to sit on top of the conference again, defend our regional championship and go further into the state playoffs.”
Edgewood
Coach: Hannah Whitmire, sixth season
Last year: 12-1, regional semifinalist
Top returners: Seniors Sofia Ortiz (S) and Zyianna Rowlette (M).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Samarra Brodbeck (OH) and Ava Supan (S).
Coach’s outlook: “Our team is looking solid this year. There is a lot of talent on both JV and varsity. We look stronger every day and should have a good season.”
Fallston’s Natalie Gross tries to make a play on the ball during a playoff match last season against C. Milton Wright. (Brian Krista/Staff)
Fallston
Coach: Christopher Kraft, first year
Last year: 14-3, regional finalist
Top returners: Seniors Sam Ruth (S), Kaylee Lindhorst (OH) and Jadin Woods (M); juniors Mary Pfaff (M) and Natalie Gross (OH); sophomore Sloane Mister (OH).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Alyssa Curry (L) and sophomore Mady Kelly (M).
Coach’s outlook: “We lost seven players from last year, including two all-county players (Kyra Douglass and Grace Pfaff). We are young, so I am expecting to have some bumps in the beginning, but the talent is there and I think by the end of the season we will be a tough match for anyone.”
Harford Tech
Coach: Caitlin Torley, third season
Last year: 10-5, regional semifinalist
Top returners: Seniors Mady Bobb (M), Winter Evans (M), Lauren Kunes (RS) and Mahalia Sam-Kpakra (OH).
Newcomers to watch: Freshman Emme DuBose (L).
Coach’s outlook: “I am very excited for these teams, both varsity and JV. These kids are hardworking, dedicated, and have a lot of collective experience.”
Havre de Grace
Coach: Ashley Algard, sixth season
Last year: 6-9, regional semifinalist
Top returners: Seniors Kinsey Mentzer (OH), Lillia Dalton (S/RS), Abigail Transparenti (OH/MB) and Claire Bond (L); junior Sophia Holloway (MB/OH); sophomore Sabree Knox (MB).
Newcomers to watch: N/A
Coach’s outlook: “This is one of the most athletic teams I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching. These girls this year, particularly the seniors, have played together since their freshman year and were brought into the game by former JV coach Brooke Foley, who gave them the proper foundation to be at the caliber of volleyball they’re at now. Both programs look healthy, athletic and ready to put in the work to get some wins this year. They are hungry to have a winning season, which makes me excited as their coach.”
John Carroll
Coach: Katie Forsythe, first year
Last year: 6-12, semifinalist
Top returners: Junior Ava pollock (L) and sophomore Mia jovetić (OH).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Kaitlin Hudson (OH).
Coach’s outlook: “I am very excited for this first year at John Carroll, we are a young team full of talent. We have been talking about our team culture and the words, confidence, discipline, effort have stuck with us. These are the words we use to remind ourselves how we play the John Carroll way. We have good potential this year to make our opponents work harder against us, as long as we keep our discipline.”
Perryville
Coach: Matt Borrelli, 11th season
Last year: 13-4, regional finalist
Top returners: Senior Emma Cavall (MH); juniors Taylor McGuirk (S) and Brooke Taylor (OH).
Newcomers to watch: Freshman Peyton Simon (OH).
Coach’s outlook: “Our players are excited for the opportunity to play in the upper division again. Everyone is working hard and displaying excellent attitudes and work ethic so far during the preseason. We’re looking forward to a fun, exciting and challenging season ahead.”