Wood River has a new look this season

For the last seven years there has been one constant with the Wood River volleyball team.

There has always been a Dubbs on the floor.

First it was Meredy Dubbs, who is now a senior at Wayne State. Then it was Markeya Dubbs, now at Nebraska-Kearney.

Wood River coach Peg Heise said the Eagles will have a different look this season.

"Part of the different look is we won't have a Dubbs on the floor," Heise said. "It's been a while. About seven years. That's part of the different look.

"And we're transitioning to a new setter. The girls are really athletic. I think the team chemistry will be good. We'll have a different look this year. We'll have good leadership and the girls are going to win some big games. Our goal is to win some big games."

The Eagles return four starters from last year's 18-9 team. They will have to replace Markeya Dubbs, who led them in several statistical categories, and setter Sarah Roth.

Lacey Woitaszewski, who played right side last year, will be the setter this season.

"She's very athletic," Heise said of Woitaszewski. "She can get to any ball. We'll work on her putting the ball where it needs to be. The fact that she got to play last year gives her the experience she needs. She knows the responsibilities of the other right side and she knows what the setter's responsibilities are.

"She's going to step into that role and do a good job."

Senior Becky Boshart, who will be a three-year starter for Wood River, returns at middle blocker.

"She's a good athlete," Heise said "She works hard. She's going to be a good leader for this year's team. She and I will talk and get her right where she needs to be.

"But she's a great kid. I'm not worried about it at all."

Junior Morgan Fischer, who led the team with 35 ace blocks last year, also returns at middle blocker.

"We're going to work on her overall game," Heise said. "She's a smart player. She definitely will add to our total game. The more you play, the better you get and she's been playing a lot. Hopefully we'll see some good things out of her."

Junior Maddie Heise, the coach's daughter, is back at outside hitter.

"She's a good volleyball player," Peg Heise said. "She's been around the game for a long time. She makes smart shots and is good on defense. We'll continue to work her into the offensive system."

The Eagles will face a challenging schedule this season which includes matches against Class C-1 powers like Grand Island Central Catholic, St. Paul and Minden.

"That's what volleyball is all about," Peg Heise said. "I tell you the middle part of the state is very competitive. We could have two wild card teams out of our district."

Wood River's district includes Central Catholic, St. Paul, Minden, Central City and Hastings St. Cecilia. All those teams will be looking to pile up as many wild card points as they can during the regular season.

"That will be really important this year for a lot of teams to do that," Heise said. "When it comes down to district time, anyone can win the ballgame.”

E-mail Bob Hamar