Coach Eldridge Rogers returns for his second stint as head volleyball coach at Heritage Christian Academy, after previously serving from 2011 to 2014. During that time, Coach Rogers put together an incredible run, the high point of which was a 2011 undefeated KCAA State Championship season. Rogers also led the Warriors to state runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2013, compiling a glittering four-year overall record of 55-6.
Coach Rogers inherits a team coming off a 2-6 season. The Warriors lost in the KCAA State Tournament to Trinity and Somerset by matching 0-2 scores, after beating Sayers 2-1 to open the competition. Only Jaynique Hancock and Halley Barrios graduated, leaving most of the squad intact for 2017. Coach Rogers says the numbers in the program are very strong, allowing HCA to field a varsity, jv and middle school team. While Coach Rogers isn’t familiar with the competition they’ll be facing, he’s seen enough of his team to know it will be competitive throughout the season, and he’s been pleased with the girls’ receptiveness to his system.
Rogers feels the future is bright for a number of his players, including senior middle hitter, Anna Waldron, and a newcomer to the program, senior outside hitter Rachel West. Juniors Allie Maternowski (S), Allie Schluckenbier (MH) and outside hitter Skyler Crist will also feature for the Warriors. Joining those upperclassmen will be a couple of sophomores, libero Alyvia Stokes and outside hitter and defensive specialist, Meredith Crunk.
After a rigorous slate of scrimmages against KHSAA teams Muhlenberg County, Webster County, Hopkins County Central, Fort Campbell, Trigg County and Todd County Central, the Warriors will open the season August 8th at Community Christian. The two teams did not meet last season. Also, HCA will compete in the Lancaster Tournament August 11-12.