WORTON — The turnout this year for Kent County High School’s volleyball program was “massive,” in the words of longtime head coach Michelle Phillips.
So many girls showed up when practice started on Aug. 14 — nearly 30, which is a lot when there are only six players on the court at one time — that Phillips placed the three strongest freshmen on her varsity squad to minimize the number of hopefuls who would be cut.
Only three players graduated in June, so there is a lot of talent coming back. The returnees are led by seniors Izzy Anderson (setter), Angel Cote (libero), Olivia Johnson (middle hitter) and Kayleen Walters (defensive specialist).
Also returning are juniors Love Jackson (middle hitter), Aaliyah Dawson (middle hitter) and Hallie Beattie (outside hitter).
The newcomers include transfer student Laila Sidky and two international students who are here for just one year, Abby Lachance (outside hitter) and Mu Shan Rau (defensive specialist).
Rounding out the varsity squad are freshmen Marie Parrish (defensive specialist), Zadalyn Spittel (setter and outside hitter) and Brenna Thorpe (outside hitter).
Class 1A Kent County is 0-3, which includes straight-set losses to larger Class 2A opponents North Caroline and Queen Anne’s.
The Trojans won a set in their season opener Sept. 6 at Mardela.
“Our issue remains doing the simple things well,” Phillips said matter-of-factly.
“When the team is executing and limiting our unforced errors, we do well,” she added.
The game plan is pretty simple: play with a purpose — every skill, every serve, every pass, every hit and every block, do it with a purpose.
WHAT’S NEXT: Kent County travels to North Dorchester on Monday (Sept. 16), but is back home Wednesday against Colonel Richardson. Varsity play begins at 5 p.m.
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Anna Lill, who played for four years for coach Phillips, returns at the helm of the junior varsity program at her alma mater.
Her Trojans are 1-2, rallying for a 2-1 win at Mardela. Set scores were 21-25, 25-20 and 17-15.
Kent County was swept by Queen Anne’s in the home opener Sept. 11.
“Even though we lost [25-8 and 25-14], the team showed moments of promise and continued development,” Lill told The Evening Enterprise.
Lill singled out sophomores Saraia Wilmore, Aaryona Wesley and Ariyana Green and freshmen Delilah Masse, Allee Hall and Brooke Starke.
“We didn’t play our best and our errors cost us the game,” Lill said, “but these girls are dedicated to improving. They’re great at self-assessment, have a lot of team spirit, and I’m excited to see how they progress throughout the season.”
In summary, she said, “We have an amazing group of girls with a lot of potential.”
Lill is carrying a 16-player roster.
Freshmen are: Brooke Starke, outside hitter/defensive specialist; Eden Johnson, defensive specialist; Jillian Walters, defensive specialist; Ava Potter, defensive specialist; Lyric Frase, outside hitter; Alicia Kennard, outside hitter; Addison Hall, outside hitter; Alexandria “Allee” Hall, outside hitter/middle blocker; and Delilah Masse, libero.
Sophomores are: Atlantis Riggin, defensive specialist; Taylor Bentley Hudley, defensive specialist; Ariyana Green, defensive specialist; Aaryona Wesley, setter; Taraji Hart, defensive specialist; Saniyah Jones, middle blocker; and Saraia Wilmore, setter.
Riggin, Green, Wesley, Wilmore and Jones are returnees.
Green and Wesley are the captains.