Everybody lining up behind Broadneck
Bruins are preseason No. 1, but challengers abound
Here’s what you need to know for the 2021 volleyball season in the Baltimore area:
Storylines to watch How will missing a full season affect the quality of play?
This season will bring a mixed bag to the local volleyball scene.
Thanks to the coronavirus, several schools played shortened seasons last year, some in the fall or winter and some in the spring, while others didn’t play at all. Even some of the area’s club teams didn’t play last year.
The ability to adjust on the fly could determine success or failure.
Will moving the public school state championships to Harford County affect volleyball at the state level?
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association has decided to move the state semifinals and finals to Harford Community College.
How will the change of venue affect attendance at the event, and will the new location
be an easier drive for most of the state playoff teams to reach?
How will Crofton High School’s opening affect the balance of power in Anne Arundel County?
Normally, a new school opening wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but Crofton draws students from an area known to be rich in volleyball talent. The new school will pull
students from Arundel and South River high schools, both of which have participated in the state tournament in the last few years, with Arundel returning this year as the 2019 Class 4A state champion.
This will be the new Cardinals’ first year of varsity volleyball.
How will Howard County’s redistricting affect volleyball?
Howard County schools went through massive redistricting, and it should make an impact on some recent powers.
Atholton, which won volleyball state titles in 2016 and 2018, saw 32% of its student body change because of the redistricting. Will the changes to Atholton and other schools in the volleyball-focused county see the balance of power shift, and will new contenders emerge?
Will Broadneck be able to get over the hump this year and win another state title?
Broadneck is no stranger to the top of the standings, but a state title has proved elusive in recent years. Although the school has won six state championships in volleyball, the last one came in 2009.
Coach Tracey Regalbuto has been active at both the club and high school levels, and a state title is all that’s missing on her impressive resume. outside hitter, senior
Cassi Shields, Westminster, outside hitter, senior
Charlotte Vale, Dulaney, setter, junior