LAKEVILLE - With a core group of senior letterwinners back, LaVille volleyball looks to improve on a 11-21 overall record in 2022. Back for their fourth year in the Lancer program, Kate Aschenbrenner, Elaina Borton, Ava Fuchs, Caitlyn Goffinet and Lily Smith each bring the capability to play all-around and an entire game. "These five athletes started and continued as the only five through their high school volleyball careers," said LaVille head volleyball coach Pat Gring. "They work incredibly well together, have great attitudes and each one can start and play the entire game. That is something new and exciting for this team." Fuchs returns as the top attacker and blocker for Gring's club in 2023. "For that quick middle block and sharp attack, Ava is ready to go this season," said Gring. "Every time we see her, she seems to jump a little bit higher." Also back in the mix will be Lily Smith and Kate Aschenbrenner. Smith, who checks in at 5' 7", is the second-leading attacker back from a year ago, and Aschenbrenner, a 5' 8" player that spent much of last season as the #2 setter, has worked to get better after her junior year. "Lily hits well across the net and is an emerging backrow player," noted Gring. "Kate’s front row performance has improved dramatically; she is really adding some jump and power to our right side attack and blocking coverage." Rounding out the senior line-up, includes 5' 8" attacker Caitlyn Goffinet and 5' 3" setter and defensive leader Elaina Borton. "A very versatile player is Caitlyn," explained Gring. "She’s strong in both front and back courts and can set well when needed. Elaina’s setting and back court defense just keeps getting better and better, and she has a great voice on the court." Gring's crew graduated over half of the offense and almost 70 percent of the blocking game. Lucy Sherk, the 2023 female athlete of the year and 3-sport standout, led the team in kills and blocks. Also gone are Quincy Blodgett, the third-best attacker, Karisma Lewis, a force at the net, and Emma Mears, a defensive specialist. "Lucy Sherk and Karisma Lewis brought height and net presence to the team," Gring said when asked about the graduates. "While Quincy Blodgett and Emma Mears were strong defensive players." Newcomers to the Lancer varsity unit are juniors Reagan Bollenbacher and Moriah Richhart, along with senior foreign exchange student Caterina Rota and sophomore Ragen Wagoner. "Reagan Bollenbacher and Moriah Richhart, our only two juniors, are the perfect support players for our senior starters," said Gring. "They have the most willing attitude to do whatever is needed. They can play front or back court. Their team spirit and coachability is just outstanding." Gring also acknowledges that, "one of our biggest challenges is the lack of height in our line-up." LaVille does not list a player at 5' 8" or taller. On the other hand, Gring feels that, "a great mindset and strong communication on the floor," can be beneficial to the 2023 season. One area that LaVille looks to build on is the service game. LHS served at 90 percent a year ago and the top server is back - Elaina Borton at 92 percent. LaVille will open the 2023 season at the Peru Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 12. The 9-team event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. There will be three pools of three teams. Joining the Lancers will be Blackford and the host Tigers in Pool #1 Huntington North, Hamilton Heights, and Rensselaer participate in Pool #2. North Miami, Lakewood Christian Academy and Carroll complete Pool #3. LAVILLE LANCERS Head Coach: Pat Gring (52-65 in fourth year) Assistant Coaches: Addison Downer, Syd Coblentz 2022 Overall Record (Conference): 11-21 overall (2-5 in HNAC) Letterwinners Lost: (4) Quincy Blodgett, Karisma Lewis, Emma Mears, Lucy Sherk Letterwinners Returning: (5) Seniors - Kate Aschenbrenner (S/OPP), Elaina Borton (S/DS), Ava Fuchs (MB), Caitlyn Goffinet (MB/DS), Lily Smith (OH) Newcomers: (4) Senior - Caterina Rota (OPP). Juniors - Reagan Bollenbacher (MH/OH), Moriah Richhart (DS/OH). Sophomore - Ragen Wagoner (MH). Opener: @ Peru Invitational Aug. 12, 9 a.m.