Birds take flight in 2008

The Pettisvlle volleyball team returns a solid core of players after ending the 2007 season one step from the regional tournament.

Seniors Haley Nofziger, Karina Rohrer-Meck< katie Weber and Keely Geringer and junior Chelsea Schmucker return for the Blackbirds.

Promising newcomers for the season include Mackenzie Nogziger, Lauren Bontrager, Ashley Eicher, Lynae Fry, Sarah McDermott, Stephanie Yoder, Tessa Yoder, Stacey King and Kylee Garcia.

"We have experienced leadership with four returning starters and strong serving," Coach John Horning said of the team's strengths. "We also look to be much improved defensively this year."

He cited consistent passing and serve reception as potential weaknesses. Horning added that younger player swill have to adjust to the quicker tempo and advanced play at the varsity level.

"I believe we should be very compettive this season, as well as be a contender in the BBC," he said. "We look to be playing our best ball come tournament time and see what happens."