Carson eyes another strong season

Carson High School volleyball has finished fourth in the Class 5A North the last two seasons.

Though the Senators are tasked with replacing a handful of players, the road to a potential Northern Nevada league title appears open through two weeks of the season.

The Senators are 6-1 after a four-set loss at home against McQueen on Thursday, but there’s still plenty of time for Carson to find its groove.

“It’s a new team this year. It’s kind of a new look for Carson. We are kind of re-learning our offense,” said fourth-year head coach Brittany Witter. “We are going to have to focus on making our middle a little stronger, but we are a really strong defensive team.”

RETURNING TALENT

One of Carson’s offensive staples will be Abby Franco, who is back for her junior season after being named a second team all-region player as an outside hitter last fall.

Abby Drysdale (sophomore) and Hannah Gerow (junior) will hold down the middle. Abby Pudilo (sophomore) will play the right side and middle “interchangeably.”

A can’t-miss player defensively will be libero Ava Kordonowy, who returns for her senior season.

“Really thrilled that we have a very strong defensive team,” said Witter.

Clarissa Quintana will be another senior that Carson will turn to for leadership.

Sophomore Emma Sanders will be an outside hitter as well while sophomore Julie Salanoa is the starting setter.

Witter said Carson has several defensive specialists, including Cali Stagliano, Kellyn Moyle and Sophie Wahl.

Thursday’s loss to McQueen highlighted some areas of improvement, but Witter and the Senators feel they have the potential to be one of the best teams in the North.

“I was pretty happy with our passing and serve-receive. Just really trying to work on getting those hitting connections and getting our middles more involved,” said Witter. “Once we have our offense down, I think we will be pretty strong.”

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Traditional powers Reno and Bishop Manogue have already suffered losses.

“(C)razy league this year. I have no expectations,” said Witter. “I really do think it could be anyone, taking those top three spots. It’ll be exciting to see what happens. I think we stand a really good chance to be in the top three, but I think any team in this league could take the top spot.”

Witter feels success will depend on getting a team full of sophomores and juniors to mesh.

“A team that is willing to try new things and shake off some moments that young players may struggle with,” Witter said. “Can we shake off mistakes and can we continue on, and I think we have a good chance at doing that.”

(Carson High sophomore setter Julie Salanoa (14) sets up underneath the ball Thursday against McQueen. Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. | InstaImage)