Hawks continue to work to build volleyball foundation

HOUSTON — The Houston Hawks volleyball mantra — just keep building.

After graduating only three players last year, the Hawks have just a pair of seniors on the 2010 roster. But despite another young squad, Houston head coach Lynn Edwards said the Hawks are eager to continue developing and keep getting better.

“We’re building,” Edwards said. “This is a pretty big building year for us.”

Edwards will look to those seniors, setter Amber Acton and middle hitter Savannah Ritter, to direct the Hawks on the court and help those younger players develop.

“Those two are definitely our leaders on the team,” Edwards said.

Acton saw time at setter last year, alongside graduated senior Amy Orth. Ritter also has experience in the middle. Edwards said digging and play on the back row will be one of the stronger parts of Houston’s game, and that charge will be led by Acton.

Houston also has juniors Samantha Dodds, Taylor Holen and Jenae Shannon. All three will play utility roles for the Hawks. Shannon is hitting the volleyball court for the first time, but the multisport athlete has had success on other Houston teams.

“She’s very athletic,” Edwards said of Shannon. “Just her athletic ability will help the team.”

Edwards also has a handful of underclassmen on her varsity roster. Sophomores Maggie Theis and Brandy Malidore, and freshmen Khristin Nida and Emilee Melin round out the roster.

Theis adds height to the middle hitter postion, Edwards said. Nida has also seen significant playing time in a utility role.

Houston opened its season with losses to Palmer and Colony, and will continue play tonight hosting Delta. The Huskies also hit the HHS gym Saturday afternoon.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.