Eager to begin her first season as head coach, Kristen Van Horn has set high standards for the Warrenton volleyball team.The Warriors return six starters and have gained a valuable transfer which they are anticipating to be an exceptional asset.“We’re excited about our team,” said Van Horn, who was an assistant with the program last season. “Our ultimate goal is to win conference.”She anticipates St. Charles West and Winfield will provide the most challenging task within the conference.But an experienced, hard-hitting crew should be up for the task.Four seniors will provide leadership, beginning with setter Chelsea Crump. She returns for another season as the facilitator of the Warriors’ offense.“She knows most of the hitters and their dynamics already,” said Van Horn. “She’s got great hands and can tip really easily.”Crump will help operate Warrenton’s 5-1 set, which has carried over from last season.“I would like to have a run a 6-2 offense, but this works best for the players we have and they’re used to the 5-1 system,” said Van Horn.Senior Daphne Meine returns for her third season as an outside hitter.“For being as short as she is, she can jump through the roof,” said Van Horn. “She has the skill and leadership to pull us ahead, so we’re going to be looking to her for points.”Warrenton will rely heavily on the serving prowess of senior Rachael Reckamp.“Rachael is going to be a huge role player for us,” said Van Horn. “She can put the ball down and has a dynamite serve. She’ll definitely score some points by being consistent with her jump serve.”The Warriors are counting on senior Maddie Sutherland as a force at middle hitter.“She’s a smart player who can really read the other side well and knows exactly where the ball will go,” said Van Horn. “She knows how to hit those empty spots.”Sophomore Nicole Hardt emerged as a formidable hitting threat last season and can serve as both a middle and outside hitter.“She improved a ton over the offseason,” said Van Horn. “She’s got her hits down and can jump and block really well. She’s going to be strong blocking the other teams outside hitter.”Junior Rachel Hertel will have the responsibility of playing libero this fall.“She’s my go-to-player to get the ball to Chelsea,” said Van Horn. “She’s going to be a huge role player on our team as far as defense goes. She’s done great in practice so far.”Another weapon on this year’s team came as a surprise in the form of a talented transfer student. Sophomore Morgan Boesel joins the Warriors after a successful showing for Barat Academy last season.“She’s an excellent hitter,” said Van Horn. “She’s an all-around player can get the ball to the setter. She can really put the ball down and jump high.”The final piece of the varsity puzzle is first-year competitor Lauren Potthast, who was the libero for the junior varsity team last season. She will play defensive specialist this season.“She impressed us during practice and has been getting her digs to the setter every time,” said Van Horn.

Warrenton senior Maddie Sutherland digs during the jamboree.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.