Lady Hornets enter fall with experienced squad

The ceiling during coach Jessica Pickett’s three seasons leading the Chelsea High School volleyball program has been well-defined: a berth in the Class 6A Super Regional each year, including last fall, when she led the program to a 24-21 record.

In 2016, the Lady Hornets hope to break through to the next level and have the pieces to do so. After losing only two players from last fall, six seniors highlight an experience-laden squad.

“They expect more. They’re not just satisfied with getting to Super Regionals. These girls want to get to state,” Pickett said. “They’re not quick to be satisfied. They want to take it to the next step.”

Among those seniors, Lexie Riggins has been on varsity since ninth grade and plays middle. Taylor Hackett is a setter and also will play on the front row. 

Princes Embry and Maurica Marsh play on the right side. Sarah Prince is the team’s libero, and Olivia Moody is also a senior.

“Our seniors are going to have to step up in their leadership roles,” Pickett said. “We do have a strong senior class, and they’ve been with me since they were freshmen.”

Sophomore middle Jules Hamer is another player Chelsea will look to for big production and will be a “huge leader” according to her coach.

The Lady Hornets spent much of the offseason focusing on the defensive facets of the game. Offense has been a strength during Pickett’s tenure — a characteristic that should remain this fall — but Chelsea aims to improve on the other side of the court as well.

“We are very strong offensively, and that’s why we’ve really been focusing, as far as fundamentals, on defense and getting our defensive players stronger,” Pickett said.

Chelsea opens the season at home Aug. 25 against Jeff Davis.