The Fishers volleyball team had a highly successful 2018 season, and the Tigers are ready to continue that momentum into 2019.
Fishers finished last season 25-5, won the sectional championship and made its way to the regional final, where the Tigers lost to eventual Class 4A state champion Yorktown. While Fishers graduated four starters from last year, the Tigers do have a number of top returners back, including two of their leaders on offense.
“I’m really looking forward to a season with this group of girls,” said Fishers coach Steven Peek. “It’s an incredibly talented, experienced group that has a passion for competition and getting it right.”
This year’s Fishers roster includes juniors Camryn Haworth and Jada Allen, who led the team in kills last season; Haworth hit 251 kills while Allen put down 245. Senior Bryn Roberts brings back 160 kills.
Haworth also led the teams in service aces last year with 57, while Allen returns the most blocks with 90. Haworth also had 252 digs.
“I could tell from the first practice that this Varsity group has high expectations for their level of execution,” said Peek. “Our challenges are meeting that expectation and filling the shoes of four starters at four positions. We have the talent to be confident moving forward but will rely on consistent individual practice habits, team building, and being flexible in game planning.”
Other players coming back are senior Emily Brewer, and several juniors, including Mikayla Christiansen, Olivia Lux, Shelby Settles, Jill Snyder and Emily Waldrop.
In addition, two new young players are on the team.
“We’ve got four new players joining Varsity, including sophomore Samantha Perdue and freshman Ava Vickers,” said Peek. “They’ve been two of the hardest workers at practice so far, and I’m proud of the upperclassmen for respecting them as equals.”
The Tigers will begin their season on Saturday, hosting Carmel in an 11:30 a.m. match. Fishers then plays Lawrence Central on Tuesday and McCutcheon on Wednesday (Aug. 21), also both at the Tiger Den.
“Carmel is a new addition to our schedule, and they will be an amazing test for us in our season opener,” said Peek. “We’ve also added defending 3A Champion New Castle on September 14th. Those should add new challenges to our already tough schedule, built to prepare us for postseason play.”
VARSITY ROSTER
Seniors: Emily Brewer, Bryn Roberts.
Juniors: Jada Allen, Mikayla Christiansen, Grace Dunnuck, Camryn Haworth, Olivia Lux, Shelby Settles, Jill Snyder, Emily Waldrop.
Sophomore: Samantha Perdue.
Freshman: Ava Vickers.
JUNIOR VARSITY ROSTER
Sophomores: Kendall Dycus, Mia Fehlinger, Brooke Garrison, Gwen Garrison, Carsen Plew, Claire Theobald, Emya Upshaw.
Freshmen: Leslie Groff, JaNyah Henderson, Margo Hernandez, Bella Street, Brynn Zastrow.
FRESHMAN ROSTER
Brooke Barker, Laynie Cheek, Avery Clark, Alyssa Galey, Ella Hopkins, Addy Mauch, Kelsey Olivadoti, Ava Pasalich, Megan Richardson, Avery Slain, Caitlin Smith, Morgan Stamper.
Fishers’ Jada Allen (7) and Bryn Roberts (4) were two of the offensive leaders for the Tigers last year during their 25-5 season. Both are returning to the Fishers lineup this season. (Kirk Green/File photo)