The Platte County volleyball team took big strides in year two under Kaitlyn Donovan, doubling the win total from 2016.

Now, the Pirates will try to continue building and stay competitive in the Suburban Conference Blue Division. Platte County won 22 games in 2017 – going 22-8-3 – and went 8-2 in the conference, with the only two setbacks coming against Kearney.

Platte County returns a pair of all-conference performers in senior Carli Hensley and junior Ashley Bell. Hensley, a libero, had a team-high 434 digs as the team’s defensive specialist and had 36 aces — tied with Bell for a team-high — and added 43 set assists in a season that saw her earn first-team all-conference and all-district. Bell, a setter, had 709 set assists, 179 digs, while earning second-team all-conference marks.

Also returning are seniors Harper Sinclair and Jaycie Stubbs and sophomore Aly Anderson, who is the team’s top returner in kills at 82. Sinclair had 70, while Stubbs had 59.

Most of the team’s kills and digs leaders graduated, which saw five all-conference picks leave the Pirates. Lauren Walker and Kenzie Polley were first-team picks, while PJ Curry was a second-team all-conference pick. Polley had a team-high 280 kills, while Walker had 198 and Curry 118. Lily Harrison was the team leader with 187 digs, while Haylie Jerome had 163.

Looking to fill those voids on varsity are Riley Stehlik, Gracie Acker, Bryn McGehe and Kate Brown.

“We are looking forward to getting the season started,” said Donovan, who will be assisted by Rachel Baker, Sam Payne and Shelby Forman. “The girls have worked hard this summer in the gym and the weight room and we believe it will payoff during the season.

“The goal is be competitive in all games. We expect to continue with last year’s success and continue to get better in all aspects of the game. We have some big spots to fill, so one key to our success will be having players step up into those roles.”

The Platte County Citizen