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New Bremen rallies around senior recruits
Friday, September 05, 2008
For years, New Bremen High School hosted one of the toughest volleyball sectionals in Division IV. The Cardinals watched fellow Midwest Athletic Conference teams St. Henry, Marion Local and New Knoxville march out of their gym en route to the state tournament and MAC titles.
With the help of two talented seniors, New Bremen hopes this is its year to share some of that glory.
Jaclyn Dabbelt and Taylor Jones have emerged as two of the state's top players. Jones was a first-team All-Ohioan last year, while Dabbelt was honorable mention. The two have committed to play D-I volleyball, Jones at the University of Maryland and Dabbelt at Cleveland State.
Along with a group of seven seniors, New Bremen is searching for its first MAC volleyball title since 2001.
"They are the core — that is no doubt," New Bremen coach Lisa Thobe said of Jones and Dabbelt. "We have eight that we play. If one isn't around, we struggle. But Jackie is our strongest hitter, and Taylor is our strongest setter. When they are on, we do well."
The two players were on separate teams on the Team Atlantis volleyball club. Jones — along with players from Troy, Marion Local, Botkins, Anna, Riverside and Celina – finished second at the USA Junior National Championships American Division this summer. Both players felt the club experience has helped prepare them for the regular season.
"You have to be ready," Dabbelt said. "You play girls from all over, from different states. Everyone is good once you are in a club tournament."
New Bremen finished last season ranked 10th in the state. The Cardinals swept New Knoxville and Minster in the sectional before falling to eventual state champion Marion Local at district, losing in four games.
"That was the best we had done in high school," Jones said. "We lost to Marion, but we did play well. We were one of only two teams that took them to four games in the entire tournament. Doing that, we knew we were pretty good."
For now, New Bremen has its sights focused on league play. The Cardinals are 5-1, their only loss to Jackson Center.
"Our first goal is try to be MAC champs," Dabbelt said. "Then after that, everything is one step at a time."
Team Atlantis local players at college
2009
Cassie Berning, Tippecanoe, committed to Bowling Green
Jaclyn Dabbelt, New Bremen, committed to Cleveland State
Taylor Jones, New Bremen, committed to Maryland
2008
Kelli Barhorst, Anna (Ohio State)
Liz Homan, Celina (Duquesne)
Tricia Mullen, Botkins (Duquesne)
Abby Niekamp, Marion Local (Florida State)
2007
Tiffany Gaerke, Fort Recovery (Dayton)
Betsy Hone, Celina (Ohio State)
Emily Strader, C-J (Troy)
Nicole Wright, New Knoxville (Duquesne)
