Carson High’s Sarah Miller connects a kill against Spanish Spring’s Anna Evans last week. Turner is back for her senior season with the Senators after earning first team all-region honors last season.
Photo by Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. | InstaImage.
Carson High volleyball may have surprised most of Northern Nevada with its 18-11 record last season, but the Senators won’t be sneaking up on anyone this season.
The Senators bring back two seniors that were both all-region selections last fall in Sarah Miller and Anna Turner.
Miller, who led the Class 5A North in kills last season with 226, has already continued her dominance into this fall.
Turner, who was a second team all-region selection, was second on the team in kills (162) and blocks (50) last fall.
Last season’s Class 5A North Coach of the Year, Brittany Witter, returns to the sidelines this fall for the Senators as well.
“I think we probably have one of the strongest offenses in the league,” said Witter. “I’m very happy with our front line in terms of hitting and blocking.”
Team makeup
The only starter Carson High will be replacing from last season was all-region setter, Riley Kolsch.
Through the first 10 contests of the year — in which Carson holds a 9-1 record — Madelyn Monson has been the main fit in the setter position.
“She’s taken over that spot,” said Witter. “Right now Maddie’s leadership is what is keeping her on the court.”
Alongside Monson will be a freshman, who made the varsity ranks this fall.
Julie Salanoa will see plenty of time on the hardwood this season and Witter expects her to takeover the setter position going into next year.
Abby Franco and Dayna Myrehn both return on the outside as hitter’s for Carson.
Franco had demolished 50 kills through 10 games this season, tying with Miller.
Meanwhile, starting off her senior season strong, Myrehn leads the team with 55 putaways.
Ava Kordonowy will be back as the team’s libero this season.
“(Ava) has grit. She goes for every single ball, but just asking her to be a little bit more of a leader,” said Witter. “When she’s confident, she’s on. Just learning how to control that confidence when the team isn’t doing well.”
Senior Kylie Heckman will be an important piece for Carson this fall as well.
Finishing in key moments will be the biggest priority for the team as the season progresses.
“Trusting that they are as strong as I know they are. I would love to see that front line hit and hit and hit,” said Witter.
After a 9-0 start to the season, Carson fell in its first league contest of the year last week to Spanish Springs.
The Cougars (13-3) are out to a hot start of their own and were able to capitalize on serve-receive, which will be a sticking point for the Senators moving forward.
Along with Spanish Springs, Bishop Manogue and Reno can’t be counted out as top-tier league foes.
Carson’s rival to the south – Douglas High School – will also compete for a top seed in the Class 5A North this fall.
(Carson High’s Anna Turner with a kill against Spanish Spring’s Scarlet Smith last Thursday. Turner had six kills against the Cougars and will be back on the floor for her senior season after being named a second team all-region player last fall. / Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. | InstaImage)
Rest of the coaching staff
Witter will be accompanied by a new set of staff on the bench this fall.
Jaycie Roberts, a 2018 Carson High graduate, will serve as the junior varsity coach after playing Div. I college volleyball at Niagara University.
Roberts was a three-year captain with the Senators and three-time first team all-region selection.
Allyson Hunt will be the varsity assistant for the Senators while Kaitlyn Gentry will coach the freshman.