Wray, a 5-foot, 9-inch outside hitter who has been second-team all-conference for three straight years, will now be asked to lead a Lebanon volleyball team that hopes to continue a successful run — 57 wins and two league titles over the last three years.
“I miss those girls, a lot,” Wray said. “They were my best friends, and I played with them for three years.
“I never felt like I was in their shadow, though. They were just my teammates. They were amazing players, but we all looked to each other.
“Now, it’s my turn to be the leader, to encourage my teammates and calm everyone down. It’s going to be a lot different.”
Wray’s leadership will be critical for a Warriors squad that lost five starters.
“At a different school, Adrienne is the star for the last three years,” Lebanon coach Tim Mersch said. “Now, it’s her turn to shine. She’s been through the wars.
“We expect a lot out of her, but there’s no pressure. We’ve got other good players who can step up.”
Among those players are senior setter Alexis Phillips, sophomores Mandy Ehrlich and Alex McPherson and junior Kirby Leitschuh. Mersch is also excited about newcomers Jerrica Krupka and Katelyn Tropp.
“You can’t replace our seniors last year; I’d lose sleep if I tried,” Mersch said. “We just have to adjust to our strengths and play a different style of volleyball.
“We’ll have to play quicker, smarter and use more finesse to get the ball down on the floor instead of power. That’s OK. We have the players that fit that system.
“It’s going to be very exciting. Our goals are to win the GWOC and get to districts again. I think it’s going to surprise some people, but I think we can do it.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4526 or shayes@coxohio.com.
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