Cloverdale will return five varsity players to this year’s squad
Anticipation is building for the upcoming high school volleyball campaign, as the Eagles embark on what should be another exciting season.
Under returning coach Margaret Fitzgerald, Cloverdale posted an overall record of 14-7 in 2017, landing a spot in the North Coast Section Division 5 playoffs before falling to International High School in the opening round in three games.
The Eagles expect to return five varsity players this season, led by first team all league junior star outside hitter Tehya Bird.
Although the 2018 roster is far from being settled, other potential returnees will come from a group that includes senior defensive specialist Aly Bernal, junior outside hitter/setter Lane Hughes, senior middle hitter Xenia Echols, senior outside hitter Cassandra Bassett, senior outside hitter Marina Lopez and senior middle hitter Kayli Persons.
Cloverdale will be looking to climb the ladder in the NCL 1 standings after logging a fourth place mark of 6-5 last year, finishing behind 2017 league champion Clear Lake (13-1), Kelseyville (12-1) and Fort Bragg (9-4).
“We expect to be competitive this year, with good depth,” Fitzgerald predicted.
The Eagles will begin official practices on Aug. 6 in preparation for the preseason home opener against St. Vincent on Aug. 16. Cloverdale will host El Molino on Aug. 21 and open the league campaign on Sept. 4 at Willits. All varsity matches start at 6 p.m.
