Cloverdale to be much improved with seven varsity returnees
The Cloverdale Eagles may be the most improved volleyball team in the North Bay this year, thanks in large part to a dedicated off-season regimen combined with a varsity roster that is loaded with experienced veterans.
The Eagles are coming off a rebuilding 2016 campaign that ended with an overall win-loss record of 5-14, finishing in the middle of the NCL-1 pack with a 4-9 league mark.
With no seniors on the roster last year, Cloverdale figures to benefit with the return of seven players, including several who are among the league’s best.
The list of varsity returnees includes seniors Hannah Bereschi, Jessica Barthaldy, Camryn Figueroa, Shaye Stewart and Jaedyn Jenkins, junior Kayli Persons and sophomore Tehya Bird.
First-year varsity players are sophomore Lane Hughes, juniors Ali Bernal and Marina Lopez and emerging talent Stephanie Figueroa.
With another season of varsity experience under their belt, the Eagle’s brain trust is excited and hopeful that the team will be competitive in a rough and tumble NCL-1 pennant chase.
“With our returnees and the addition of our newcomers we should have a lot of depth and should do well this season,” coach Margaret Fitzgerald predicted. “We just need to play aggressive, consistent and together to be successful.”
The Eagles will open the 2017 schedule at home this Thursday, Aug. 24 in a 6 p.m. match with Technology, followed by a Tuesday, Aug. 29 visit to Laytonville (5 p.m.). Cloverdale will kick off league play at home on Tuesday, Sept. 12 against Willits (5 p.m.).
