Maddy Jones and the Warren volleyball team have the goal of another D10 title. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

Despite the loss of three all-state players who have gone on to play in college, this group of Dragons wants another District 10 volleyball title.

Warren won its first D10 title in 2018 — advancing all the way to the state championship match that season — and the program added another district championship last year.

“Yes, this team really wants to bring back a region and another District 10 title,” said Warren coach Mike Dolan. “The cool thing is they were there last season to see how hard everyone worked and what it took to excel at the highest level.

“I think walking through the doors at Joseph A. Massa Gymnasium, knowing that girls just like them and teams before them have been among the best in the state, resonates,” he said. “That’s always our message, that you have to believe in the training and the work you’re doing and believe in your teammates, because when it all comes together, it’s something special. This team has that ability.”

Top returning players include first-team all-region and All-District 10 All-Star senior setter Lindsay Madigan and senior outside hitter Maddy Jones, second-team all-region junior outside hitter Madelyn Nosel, and letter winners Lily Walker (senior), Sophie Walker (senior), Lilly Newton (junior), and Malysia Sorensen (sophomore). Lauren Fajbik (junior), Julia Getner (sophomore), and Attie Corey (sophomore) also return with varsity experience.

Sophomores also include Paiden Johnson, Addison Ristau, Brooke Sherry, Brynn Norris, and Peyton Cabisca. Freshmen are Michaela Dolan, Hailey Cabisca, Tia French, Adelaide Keeports, Lara Pearson, Grace Schwab, and Addison Brown.

“It shows the character of these girls — to lose three all-state players (Alexia Bowers, Summer Lucks, and Kylie Fehlman) to graduation in one season, and still be considered a team to beat the following season is unheard of,” said Coach Dolan. “(That) says something about the work they’ve done to stay on top. Top to bottom, these athletes are ready to go to battle against anyone.

“It starts with the dynamic play of setter Lindsay Madigan and the attacking duo of Maddy Jones and Madelyn Nosel,” he said. “We have five athletic and, in some cases, experienced attackers vying for the other front-row positions of middle blocker and opposite. Lilly Newton, Julia Getner, Lauren Fajbik, Attie Corey, and Brooke Sherry all bring unique skill-sets to the front row and each could make an impact in the lineup. We have great depth in the back row as well with seniors Lily and Sophie Walker, and sophomores Malysia Sorensen and Paiden Johnson, all of which could be huge difference makers for the team.

“Newcomers angling for starting positions and playing time this season will be the sophomores, Julia Getner, Attie Corey, Malysia Sorensen, Brooke Sherry, and Paiden Johnson, along with junior Lauren Fajbik.”

Warren won’t sneak up on anyone.

“Our Region 5 league consists of perennial top 3A teams in the district who we will also have to square off with in playoffs, including Fort LeBoeuf, Meadville, and Harbor Creek, along with big-time 4A teams, McDowell and Erie,” said Dolan. “I have also been working with some of the best coaches in the area to deliver another extremely tough non-region schedule, including Cathedral Prep, and statewide-powerhouses Clarion, Maplewood, and Cochranton. Furthermore, the team will be competing against the best teams around in tournaments at Fort Leboeuf, Cochranton, and Maplewood as we look forward to facing the best teams in D10 in our natural 3A classification as we prepare for playoffs.

“It’s important that this team sticks together,” added Dolan. “We have a terrific group of hard-working and elite athletes, but every single player top to bottom is so important to the overall success of the team. If we can all buy-in and compete night after night in practice, then we will be ready for some big-time competitions in playoffs. It’s an exciting group and should be fun to watch for the fans.”

Photo by Mark Evans

Warren senior outside hitter Maddy Jones.