By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Centre volleyball has gained a few members and the team will look to capitalize on that depth this season.

After losing three of last year’s starters to graduation, seven freshmen joined the team to increase the squad to 13.

Coach Karen Nickel believes the team has potential to finish in the top of the league.

“I expect this season to continue to improve from the previous season,” she said.

She is looking to the senior Espinoza twins, Alyssa and Samantha, to show strong leadership. Both were starters as freshmen, and both were named to the All-League First Team last year.

They are strong hitters, blockers, and setters. Standing 5-7 each, they are the tallest of the six starters.

Junior Carly Deines is a three-year letter-winner and will play left front hitter and back row passer.

Junior letter-winner Lexis Brewer played as libero last year. She also will be a starter this season, moving between right-front hitter, backup setter, and the back row.

Junior letter-winner Alex Remmers will start as a right-front hitter.

Sophomore Lili Espinoza will round out the starting six. She is a letter-winner and will be a left front hitter, middle hitter, blocker, and back row player.

Freshman Kenide Steiner has starter potential, Nickel said. Other freshmen on the team are Jenaya Plett, Allie Stuchlik, Emilee Remmers, Faith Love, Payton Svitak, and Sarah David.

The team’s lack of height will be balanced by speed and strong hits, and will highlight the players’ scrappy and quick reaction time, Nickel said.

She is in her fourth year as head coach. Jennifer Espinoza is her assistant.