DaytonDailyNews.com

In order for Marion Local to be one of the top high school volleyball teams in the state, coach Amy Steininger needed a schedule to match.

She's got both this season.

The 13-0 Flyers, ranked No. 1 in the state in the Division IV coaches poll, have navigated a schedule that features five teams ranked among the top 10 in the state in D-III and D-IV. Two more are among the top 14.

"We know we can't overlook anyone. We have one of the toughest D-IV schedules, and we did that on purpose," Steininger said. "The girls did a great job of welcoming the challenge."

Just as soon as one top challenger is dispatched, another appears on the schedule.

Marion Local knocked off Anna, then ranked No. 1 in D-III, in five sets last week. The Flyers trailed 11-4 in the fifth set before pulling out a 25-18, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 16-14 win over the defending D-III champs. It was Anna's first loss since the 2005 state semifinals.

Versailles then grabbed Anna's top spot. Marion travels to Versailles for a Midwest Athletic Conference showdown next Thursday.

Nine seniors and 10 letterwinners lead the way for the Flyers. Six-foot-1 middle hitter Abby Niekamp (Florida State) and 6-4 middle blocker Megan Barhorst (Cleveland State) are college-bound. Outside hitters Kristin Bergman and Alyssa Winner, considered one of the best freshmen in the state, add to the Flyers' attack. Shelby Moeller and Katie Schulze are team leaders in assists.

There are plenty of tough matches to keep the Flyers from looking ahead to the postseason. Steininger has her own tactics, too. The Flyers, who have won 36 sets and lost just eight, don't have much time to celebrate after wins.

"After matches, we adapt drills the next day in practice to work on what we didn't do well the night before," Steininger said. "It really keeps the girls grounded and focused. ... We haven't talked a lot about the season goals. The girls know what the goals are."

Contact this reporter at

(937) 225-2200, ext. 6991 or

gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.