The Raider volleyball team will be missing a big part of last season’s team, but one wouldn’t know it from talking to head coach Cassie Buche.
Standout Emily Barto has graduated and moved on, and in many ways, so has the team she left behind.
“The work ethic and attitude of this team has been nothing but positive,” Buche said. “Without Emily, obviously she was huge for us. We won’t have that one player that can control the game. Now, everyone is learning they all have to contribute. They have nothing to lose and nothing to hold back.”
The Raiders will look like a different team compared to last season’s 26-17 team that went 5-3 in conference. Besides Barto, Alyssa Snow is also gone.There are no seniors out to play on this year’s team, either. That’s not to say there won’t be some continuity, though.
Juniors Danielle McBride, Taylor Seward and Meghan Winden will be back for the Raiders, as will starting sophomore setter Lindsay Gorham.
“Taylor has gotten a lot stronger and a lot smarter. She’s grown into a new player this year. She’s done a great job in the offseason,” Buche said. “Winden, we expect her to take a big step in the offensive side of the ball, and Danielle we expect to do all the little things right. Lindsay will obviously be part of the nucleus of the team, a person who can handle the spot.”
That said, Buche noted that not spot was safe, as all are up for competition. That competition could come from 11 freshmen trying out for the team.
“You never know, a couple mayy be playing varsity before you know it,” Buche said. “They’re very athletic and eager to know it. They’re not timid. Everyone knows no spots are given, and they’re all trying to compete. They can’t get comfortable, and they’re all pushing each other. That’s exactly what you want.”
Although the team is fairly young, Buche said she saw that continuity as more of a strength than an obstacle.
“We will have the same team next year, so it’ll be the same team for two years,” Buche said. “They don’t know any better than what they’re doing. The only way they’re going to know is if they do it for the next two, three, four years. I think that I’d rather have this situation than have a senior-heavy team.”
