Experienced group returns

The Swanton volleyball team returns a wealth of experience from their sectional champion team of a year ago. Eleven letterwinners return for coach Joe Nye's second season.

Ashlee Polkinghorn, who was first team all-league and second team all-district leads the way. Also back are honorable mention all-league performers Shawna Rose, Paige Onweller and Heather Hilton.

But the list does not end there. Others returning from last year's team are Renee Kissling, Olivia Verdell, Kaylyn Keifer, Kristen Kohlman, Danielle Bezeau, Andrea Perrin and Miranda Taylor.

Nye says that the seniors will be the strength of the squad.

"All [of our] starters are back," he said. Serving and defense will also be solid, Nye added.

"Our team will come out playing hard," he said. "They have good team chemistry on and off the court."

As for the league race, he feels the Bulldogs must get off to a fast start. They face strong league foes Wauseon, Archbold and Evergreen in the opening weeks. The coach sees Archbold, Wauseon, Evergreen and Liberty Center as favorites in the NWOAL race.