By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Southeast of Saline volleyball team will kick off their 2021 season against Clay Center on Tuesday night in what could be a big season for the Lady Trojans.
“We see ourselves as a part of the top half of the league as opposed to the bottom,” SES head coach Ashley Gilpin said. “We look at ourselves as contenders and we really want to get through the first round of the playoffs this year.”
SES will have to overcome the loss of six seniors in their quest for a top-two finish in the league this year but are hopeful that a revamped squad can lead them to new heights after a 4-14 finish in 2021.
The biggest key returner from 2020 will be senior Karsyn Schlesener, who has been instrumental in leading SES both on and off the court.
“She never gets down and she’s a great role model for this team,” Gilpin said. “She sets for us but she’s also coming along as a hitter as well.”
Schlesener will be one of the few upperclassmen on the starting rotation along with junior Chase Gilpin who will take over as the team's starting Libero.
Brielle Ptacek will take over setting duties while fellow sophomore Lexi Jacobson steps in as an outside hitter.
A pair of freshmen will also make their debuts against Clay Center as Christina Wingo and Macy Bunch take over as the team's middle blockers.
The Lady Trojans are also hoping to get good rotation production from Ivy Douglas, Ashlyn Johnson, and Reagan Goetz.
While SES showed flashes of promise throughout 2020, replicating that success will be the key to brighter days in 2021.
“Consistency is definitely the biggest thing we’re looking to improve this year. We definitely have some power but we’re still working on consistency.”
League play will begin for the Lady Trojans on September 14th when the team travels to Republic County.
For more on the SES volleyball team in 2021 stay tuned to the Salina Post.