QUICK REMINDER: The Clarion-Limestone volleyball team does not want to rest on the success of last season, but instead wants to focus exclusively on this
STRATTANVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – In Clarion-Limestone, the Lions volleyball team is suffering from memory loss.
That’s what we want. And it’s a good thing.
Last year was a magical season for Clarion-Limestone, which accomplished things it hadn’t done in a very long time – if ever.
Coach Ryan Troupe, however, wants to put that out of the Lions’ collective consciousness. It’s a new season. Last season was last season and doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things.
Clarion-Limestone High School sports coverage on Explore and ExploreSportspa.com is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.
“Last year is not that important to us,” Troupe said. “We have high expectations of ourselves this year.”
Still, it’s hard to forget what Clarion-Limestone did in 2023.
The Lions beat rival Clarion twice, including in a five-set thriller in the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference Tournament title game.
CL fought through a tough Class A group of District 9 to reach the championship, where it lost to eventual state champion Elk County Catholic.
The Lions had two players – setter Kaylee Smith and outside hitter Jenna Dunn – named to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association All-State team. They are the first two players from CL to ever earn that honor.
Both Smith and Dunn return to lead a talented and deep roster.
“Last year we tried to go pin to pin and move the ball as much as possible because we thought that was one of our strengths on offense,” Troupe said. “Kaylee’s IQ, her knowledge, her eagerness, that really leads to what we do on offense.”
“Jenna leads by example,” Troupe added. “You can never question her desire to be the best. You can never question her heart. She’s just really a good kid. Jenna has been playing at a high level this offseason, but every single player on our varsity squad has been playing since last January.”
Yes, the Lions are a hungry bunch.
Clarion-Limestone has lost some great talents in Alyssa Wiant, Ansley Burke and Abby Knapp-Greeley.
But there are young players ready to take their place and join an impressive group led by Dunn, Smith, senior Maddy Greeley and sophomore Hannah Beggs.
“Last year there were players who were on the varsity team, but you didn’t really hear their names,” Troupe said. “Caitlyn Wolfe and Erika Meals. Madison Swartz, Raegan Love and Payton Radaker. Corrine Hepfl and Kalyssa Ferguson. I think our depth is better this year than my previous years here.”
The team also has an experienced group of assistant coaches led by Becca Daugherty.
Daugherty was a star in the Redbank Valley and also played at Thiel College.
“She has a very good volleyball background,” Troupe said.
Clarion-Limestone will once again face a number of challenging teams in the KSAC and District 9.
The Lions never forget how tough this schedule is.
“Clarion is tough and healthy,” Troupe said. “There are a lot of really good teams that can have pretty competitive years, and we’re one of them.”
Clarion-Limestone High School sports coverage on Explore and ExploreSportspa.com is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.
