Rotary Bell Week Preview: Volleyball vs. Avon

By: Maddie Greer

For the Bell 

Bulldog volleyball is gearing up to face off against the Avon Orioles tomorrow, September 12th, at home. Avon is an HCC rival and the competition for the B&O Rotary Trail Bell, a long standing tradition between the two teams. Freshmen & JV will start at 5:30PM with Varsity to follow. 

About Your Bulldogs

• The Dogs are going into this match with a 7-3 record, 1-1 conference record 
• Currently ranked #26 in the state 
• Tied with Avon in conference record, both are 1-1
• 4 players ranked in HCC top 20 hitters (Kendall Meller, Quinci Thomas, Skyy Smith and Ashley Margetts) 
• Freshman Quinci Thomas is #1 in HCC kills with 138 this season 
• 4 other players ranked in HCC top 20 kill leaders (Skyy Smith, Ashley Margetts, Kendall Meller, Audrey Naberhaus)
• Freshman Ella Hemmings is #1 in HCC digs with 182 this season
• 3 other players ranked in HCC top 20 dig leaders (Ashley Margetts, Morgan Syoen, Maddie Smith). 

Head coach Katie Maples is ready for her team to show what they are made of, saying, "Avon week is a big one for all sports, in facing our cross town rivals that most will see again when it really matters in sectionals. Their volleyball program has a deep history of high quality play and united teams, and this year is no different. They lost a great deal of experience in last years graduating class but they are settling into new roles and will be ready to bring it against us. Our squad will approach the match with the same emphasis as we have each one to this point, an opportunity to grow and honestly show off the hard work we are putting in each day at practice. Our mission is to keep building as volleyball players, teammates and young women and this week brings a little extra energy to the gym to do just that!"

About the Orioles 

• The Orioles approach this match with a 4-6 record, 1-1 conference record
• Currently ranked #67 in the state 
• 3 players ranked in HCC top 20 hitters 
• 2 players ranked in HCC top 20 kill leaders
• 1 player ranked in HCC top 20 dig leaders 

Series History 

When the Bulldogs and Orioles matched up last year at Avon, the Orioles swept the match 3-0. The teams met up again in Sectional play where the Orioles took the match 3-0. Avon then made it to State Finals before losing to Yorktown. Even with this history, the Bulldogs are starting this year as a new team. This matchup will be one you won't want to miss.