SENIORS TO LEAD LADY EAGLES FOR 2024
By Staff
ELYRIA – After a pair of winning seasons and a trip to the 2023 Class 1A, Division II State Tournament, the Elyria Christian volleyball program will begin the 2024 season without three key seniors while learning from a new head coach.
Tonya Robertson takes over the reigns of the Lady Eagle volleyball program from Jayme Gardner and brings with her 10 years of coaching experience that includes a three-year run at Elyria from 2012-2014. Alexus Swenson will assist Robertson.
In 2023, the Lady Eagles finished 23-19 and earned a trip to the state tournament thanks to the work of three now graduated seniors – Macy Reiff, Jory Glendening, and Julia Allen. All three made huge contributions to the team successes with Allen and Reiff leading the team in digs.
“I am excited about this season,” noted coach Robertson. “I have a great group of senior leaders and am looking forward to seeing them work together on the court. That is where our strength will lie, their ability to work together.”
The cupboard is not bare for Robertson as she will build around a strong core of returning players that include seniors Brooke Davidson, Addison Swenson, Raegan Broadus, and Natalie Jader along with junior Laney Reiff.
Reiff, a setter, and Broadus, a libero, led the team in service aces with Reiff directing the offense by racking up 541 assists. Davidson, a middle hitter, led the team in blocks with 73.
Incoming freshman, Sidney Hall, is one player that coach Robertson pointed out as one to watch from her outside hitter position.
Concluding her pre-season reflections on her first Lady Eagle squad, Robertson added, “This group is hardworking and has great comradery which I believe will translate into successes on the court. Our one weakness is in our numbers. We do not have a large team so we will need some younger players to step up and fill in a few key roles.”
Elyria will be on the road to open the 2024 season when they travel to Central Christian on Tuesday, September 3. The remaining 2024 schedule is as follows:
Thursday, September 5 – at Wichita Gladiator Home School
Friday, September 6 – at Central Christian Academy
Tuesday, September 10 – host Canton/Galva, Little River, and Peabody/Burns
Saturday, September 14 – at Solomon Tournament
Tuesday, September 17 – at Wakefield (with Rural Vista)
Thursday, September 19 – at Berean Academy in Elbing (with Bluestem)
Tuesday, September 24 – host Canton/Galva, Wichita Gladiators
Thursday, September 26 – at Burrton (with Canton/Galva)
Tuesday, October 1 – at Canton/Galva (with Goessel and Centre)
Thursday, October 3 – at Sedgwick
Saturday, October 5 – at Burrton Tournament
Tuesday, October 8 – at Herington (with Solomon)
Saturday, October 12 – at Wheat State League Tournament in Canton/Galva
Tuesday, October 15 – at Wichita Gladiators
Tuesday, October 22 – Class 1A, Division II State Regionals
Saturday, October 26 – Class 1A, Division II Sub-State
Saturday, November 2 – Class 1A, Division II State Tournament
(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at macks.people.places@gmail.com)
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