HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL, FIELD HOCKEY PREVIEWS
Teams still chasing Arundel, Broadneck, Severna Park
No team epitomizes what it means to be playing spring volleyball amid a pandemic quite like Severna Park.
The Falcons are way behind after already missing two weeks of practice as the result of coronavirus protocols and resulting quarantine orders. Coach Tim Dunbar has also had to work around several of his girls having conflicts with their club teams, many of which are gearing up for qualifying tournaments. One returning varsity player ultimately chose to opt out, as did several JV players.
Adding to the commotion is that Severna Park High is periodically being used as a vaccination clinic, which means the gym has not been available on those days.
“Playing at this time of the year will be interesting,” Dunbar said. “… Different schools are probably approaching this season differently, so results may not tell you a whole lot. Some schools are going to play it normal, while some other schools may be using the time to develop players for next year.”
Dunbar’s Falcons are not alone. Of all the sports to have players opting out, volleyball has been hit the hardest as this shortened season coincides with the competitive club season that most top-level players use to get noticed and be recruited by colleges.
“It’s great that they are playing more but not so great because the practices conflict, the kids are tired, they are getting instruction from two different sets of coaches, and we have much less time to
mesh and bond,” Old Mill coach Bethany Hayden said.
Added Glen Burnie coach Jordan Gibson: “90% of my team plays travel ball and we’re working on making sure they’re staying healthy and mentally awake.”
Adding one last wrinkle to the weirdness is the fact that all players are required to wear masks during play. Most coaches said they and their players would do whatever it takes to stay safe and play a complete competitive season.
“I like the idea of playing in the mask,” Southern coach Sheila Riggs said. “I know it will be difficult to speak through them, but the ultimate goal is to play and remain safe. Any protocol that will aid in safety and health, I am all in.”
One team that did not feel the impact of many of the issues listed is Arundel, last year’s Class 4A state champions. Wildcats coach Ashley Yuscavage said almost all of their athletes decided to return and “I believe that it has made our team members even more aware of how special our group is,” she said. “To see the joy on their faces when they were able to play together again was pretty powerful.”
Arundel returns five starters, including three four-year varsity players who were All-County selections in 2019: outside hitter Brooke Watts, libero Fiona Gonzalez Medina and middle blocker Aaliyah Griffin.
Watts was the 2019 Capital Gazette Player of the Year after totaling a school-record 324 kills — including 16 in the state final win over Broadneck — and 167 digs, 44 aces and 16 blocks. Meanwhile, Gonzalez Medina did a little bit of everything by amassing 271 digs, 60 assists and 46 aces in their state championship season, and Griffin is a Division I signee at East Carolina.
The Bruins handed Arundel its only loss in the county championship game before losing an epic rematch in the state final, and they are poised to be a strong team once again. Senior setter Makena Smith, a 2019 first team All-County pick who had 741 assists, will team up with junior outside hitter Natalie Luscomb, another first team All-County choice who had 279 kills, to be one of the county’s best duos.
Arundel and Broadneck are set to play April 13.
Severna Park was a step behind Arundel and Broadneck in 2019 but has six returning starters. The senior-laden squad has strength at all positions, led by four-year varsity starter Siena DeCicco at setter and three-year starter Ally Fletcher on the right side. Both are committed to play at the next level.
Meanwhile, Maureen Carter believes her team at South River can make the jump and compete with the top three teams.
The volleyball season will begin Tuesday, March 23 with the final game scheduled for April 15. All games will be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. For the shortened season, no county championship or state playoffs will be taking place.
Here is what to expect from each local program:
ANNAPOLIS
2019 record: 3-11 overall
Coach: Kisha Taylor-Wallace, 13th season
Top players: Seniors Kyra Dean (OH), Elizabeth Jarboe (MB) and Elisa Meija Barringer (S); sophomore Grace McQuoid (S).
ARUNDEL
2019 record: champions
Coach: Ashley Yuscavage, 14th season
Top players: Seniors Brooke Watts (OH), Fiona Gonzalez Medina (L),
18-1, Class 4A state
Corinna Baker (OH) and Aaliyah Griffin (MB).
BROADNECK
2019 record: 16-3, county champions, Class 4A state finalists Coach: Tracey Regalbuto, sixth season
Top players: Senior Makena Smith (S); junior Natalie Luscomb (OH); sophomore Bella Rubino (OH).
CHESAPEAKE
2019 record: 3-12
Coach: Michael Gimon, 20th season Top players: Seniors Abi Hilpert (S/ OH), Savannah Mulvey (OH) and Karsin Baker (OH); junior Kristiana Robold (OH).
CHESAPEAKE SCIENCE POINT
2019 record: 6-13, Class 1A South region I champions
Coach: Paulette Gabaurel, fourth season
Top players: Junior Gabrielle Sanders (OH/MB); sophomores Jazmin Azan (OH/MB) and Mattie Parks (S).
GLEN BURNIE
2019 record: 3-11
Coach: Jordan Gibson, fourth season Top players: Seniors Lonna McNeill (L) and Megan Helinski (S); sophomore Nia Williams (MB).
MEADE
2019 record: 6-8
Coach: Melonie Stewart, fourth season
Top players: Senior Kaila Stewart (MB); junior Amauri Pratt (S); sophomore Chloe Contreras (OH).
NORTH COUNTY
2019 record: 5-9
Coach: Kim Workley, third season
Top players: Seniors Meadow Martin (OH/S/MB/L), Camille Carter (OH) and Alyssa Workley (L).
NORTHEAST
2019 record: 11-8, Class 3A South region II champions
Coach: Romonzo Beans, first season Top players: Junior Vanessa Tomshack (DS); sophomore Sabrina Wright (OH); freshmen Carly Bashioum (MB) and Julia Fox (MB).
OLD MILL
2019 record: 7-8
Coach: Bethany Hayden, third season
Top players: Seniors Sheridan Smith (S) and Sarah Fitzmaurice (OH); sophomore Emily Gordon (OH).
SEVERNA PARK
2019 record: 13-4
Coach: Tim Dunbar, ninth season (22nd overall)
Top players: Seniors Siena DeCicco (S) and Ally Fletcher (OH); junior Maggie Sale (OH); sophomores Ava Meadows (MB) and Sydney Watts (L).
SOUTH RIVER
2019 record: 8-8
Coach: Maureen Carter, 25th season
Top players: Seniors Kaylee Bates (OH), Harley Herndon (DS), Marit Turvold (OH) and Sara Kamm (OH); junior Ivy Wadznik (S); sophomores Isabella Clarke (OH), Beth Marx (MB), Lindsey Hutchins (MB), Mia Keen (S) and Alaina Goodwin (DS).
SOUTHERN
2019 record: 8-8
Coach: Sheila Riggs, third season Top players: Seniors Amilynn Coon (MB) and Sierra Suplee (OH); freshman Elianna Coon (OH/S).