Eagles volleyball has a lot of potential

ST. JOHN — The St. John-Endicott/LaCrosse volleyball team is back to continue building on a strong 2023 season.

Veteran Head Coach Jenn Johnson leads the team for her ninth season, assisted by Zoe Bailey.

The Eagles finished last season with a record of 10-2, taking eighth place at State. The team lost some key players to graduation, including Julia Guske, Cami Larsen, Kenzie Stanley and Kaitlyn Hough who went on to further her volleyball career at Linfield University in McMinnville, Ore.

“Our goals are to continue building a strong culture and positive environment for athletes and make it back to state,” Johnson said.

Seniors this year include Kate Hergert at middle, Avery Fleming at opposite hitter, Ellie Pierson at outside hitter and Emery Molina at outside hitter.

Prospective starters will be Chloe Waddell, Vanessa Webb, Sophie Anderson, Molina, Fleming, Pierson and Lily Barlass. The total roster has 23 players.

“We have a large incoming freshman class with a lot of potential,” Johnson said.

Coach Johnson said a team strength will be the offense and something the team will need to work on is the back row.

The Eagles open their season with an away match against Oakesdale at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, then head to Yakima, Wash. for the Sun Dome Tournament on Friday, Sept. 13. The first home match of the season will be against Waitsburg at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Endicott.