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Photo by Robin Spencer
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On the heels of a solid 17-7 record in 2006, the Southeastern volleyball team jumps into 2007 with an experienced roster.
“We are returning five seniors and seven lettermen. So far, we are playing hard and making improvements,” said Kathy Mercer, now in her 21st year as head coach.
Key players include senior setter Bonnie Hupp and senior outside hitter Chelsey Banion, both of whom provide the team with leadership—Hupp taking charge on offense and Banion working hard on defense.
Amanda Harvey, a junior middle hitter, and Jacki Severt, a junior outside hitter, contribute power on offense. According to Mercer, Harvey is adept at blocking opponents’ best hitters.
Southeastern’s defensive specialists, all of whom are seniors, each bring unique abilities to the floor. Trisha Ervin is quick. Nicole Cain is “the verbal leader that keeps everyone going.” Lisa Smith is a hard worker.
Newcomers to the squad are junior outside hitter Tori Rousculp and middle/outside hitters Cara Gartin (a sophomore) and Brianna Toops (a freshman).
This season, the team’s efforts are going beyond practices and games. The entire Southeastern volleyball program, encompassing students in seventh through 12th grade, held a serve-a-thon to raise money for the family of the district’s eighth-grade volleyball coach who has ovarian cancer.
“Also, on October 8 when we host Mechanicsburg, we have joined to make this our Volley For the Cure date. Both teams will wear pink, and we will play with a pink and white ball to help raise awareness for breast cancer,” Mercer said.
SE VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 4 @ Central
Sept. 6 Triad
Sept. 8 @ KR/ Versailles
Sept. 10 @ Cedarville
Sept. 13 @ Mechanicsburg
Sept. 15 @ N’western/ Fairborn
Sept. 17 @ Greeneview
Sept. 20 West Liberty
Sept. 22 Shawnee
Sept. 24 @ Northeastern
Sept. 27 Central
Sept. 29 Emmanuel Christian
Oct. 1 @ Triad
Oct. 4 Cedarville
Oct. 8 Mechanicsburg
Oct. 11 Greeneview
