PREVIEW: Eagles reaching for the top

     In 2017, the Midland volleyball team went 2-24, but head coach Eric Smith sets his sights on competing in the Tri-Rivers Conference as one of the top contenders this year.

     Smith praised how hard the team has been practicing in the off-season to work on getting better. He said the girls have been in the weight room and have also attended various speed camps.

     “Another strength this season is our girls are conditioned and are in great shape,” Smith said.

     Smith says this conditioning will help them in multiple ways including getting faster in their approach, getting higher above the net, being able to stay low, and being ready to dig the ball.

     Seven regular players will be returning this season to play for the Eagles. Returning are seniors Mikayla Dosland, Emma Dusanek, Drew Jensen, Morgan Soper and Delanie Uppena (second team all-conference); sophomores Arianna Hacke and Ella  Rupp.

     Twenty-nine girls are a part of the team this season, including nine seniors.

     “These girls know each other well and understand how each of them play the game,” said Smith.

     Four additional letter-winners will be returning this year: seniors Sara Flores, Lauryn Eganhouse and Kayla Folkers; junior Brennah Ricketts.

     Smith hopes the energy and passion can stay up this season and wants the players to keep growing as a family.

     “We have the skill to compete but we need to work on the mental aspect of volleyball,” he said.

     A few of Midland’s strong opponents will include Lisbon and Easton Valley.

     This will be Smith’s third year coaching the team and once again Ryan Steines will be his assistant coach.

     Smith commented, “The team looks great in practice as they move and play as one.”