Meridian volleyball hoping to build with plenty of returners

Coach: Shannon Claeys

Last year: Went 1-13 overall and 1-11 in the Northwest Conference (12th). ... Lost first 13 match of season before topping Sedro-Woolley 3-1 in final match to avoid being in the cellar of the conference. ... Failed to qualify for postseason play.

Players to watch: Emma Weg (RS, Sr.), Alexia Bernardy (OH, Sr.), Sarah Hofbauer (S, Sr.), Ellie Dennis (L, Sr.), Julia Broussard (MB, Sr.), Kyrin Baklund (OH, So.)

Outlook: After a 1-13 year, the Trojans are bringing back most of last year’s team. “We’re really excited about that,” coach Shannon Claeys said in a phone interview. “We have five seniors returning.” That senior class is bolstered by right side Emma Weg, outside hitter Alexia Bernardy, libero Ellie Dennis and middle blocker Julia Bourssard. Sarah Hofbauer is the fifth senior and will be taking on a larger role as the team’s primary starter with Taylor Brakinreed graduated. While the seniors bring in experience, Kyrin Baklund is also one to watch for, Claeys said, as the outside hitter as “really improved a lot. The first week, she’s been bang, bang, bang,” Claeys said. The strong point of the team should once again be serving. The team racked up a lot of aces last year, and the Trojans hope to continue that this season while other facets of the game are worked on. “We’re trying to attack the ball every chance we get, and are really working on being more aggressive this year,” Claeys said.

This story was originally published September 8, 2015 at 12:41 PM with the headline "Meridian volleyball hoping to build with plenty of returners."