Manheim Township girls volleyball players say they are super invested in this season, and senior Aidyn Lefever is particularly looking forward to one key night.
Players attending media day:
(from left)
Anna Krotky, senior, setter
Jessie Krieger, junior, middle blocker
Aidyn Lefever, senior, libero
School rival Hempfield often provides a measure of Township's season, but in recent years the Blue Streaks can say only that they've been competitive. Last year Hempfield was unbeaten in Section 1 and Township's only two section losses were to Hempfield. But Oct. 13 is on Lefever's calendar for payback.
"We'll play them twice, but when they come to our gym, it'll be our senior night," says Lefever, her voice rising with excitement. "Kind of our last hurrah, for our home games at least."
Krotky adds that township's talent is so immense "I think that we can beat any team we come up against."
The team expects to have a large senior and junior core this year, but also a good turnout of younger players.
"I think this year we have an abundance of girls," says Krotky. "I think it'll be very difficult to pick who's going to be on the roster and who won't be. So I think more cuts this year."
Krieger says volleyball is drawing more girls because it's such a versatile sport. "There are so many different aspects of volleyball that it tends to draw in girls from other sports."
The team expects a chemistry built on playing together for years to help them go farther that first round of states, where last season ended.
Despite their competitiveness, these players all strive to balance life. Music is a popular sidelight providing an outlet "where I don't lose myself in volleyball and just think it's the only that that's important to me," says Lefever.
Caleb Roberts, who has coached Township's boys team for four seasons, enters his first season of leading the girls team.
LNP | LancasterOnline hosted Girls Volleyball Media Day at its downtown Lancaster office to connect local media with Lancaster-Lebanon League football players and coaches.
