Lady Wolverines can finally count on experience

West coach Julie Rowan has watched her players endure growing pains through their first two years, and now the Lady Wolverines can finally have experience on their side during their third season.

“The expectations are high,” Rowan said. “We finally have the experience and the maturity it takes to compete in this conference. We’re looking to our seniors for a lot, only on the court but off as well. They have the skill, the strength and what it takes to lead this team.”

West already had eight seniors on its roster this fall, but the Lady Wolverines welcomed a ninth one when Courtney Reed, a 5-foot-11 transfer from Texas, joined the team just days ago. One of those seniors, Lexi Carter, will play a bigger role as the team’s setter, while fellow seniors Paddi Gudivada and Grace Perkins are expected for more contributions.

Meanwhile, Shea O’Brien moves into a full-time role at libero after sharing those duties last season. Kerryann Ptacek, another senior who stared much of last season, will get some help in younger players such as juniors Kortney Puckett and Avery Kniss and sophomore Emerson Traweek, who is progressing well after suffering an injury in the offseason.

“We’re looking for something from Paddi and Grace this year,” Rowan said. “It will be exciting to see how they step up and play, and our younger girls too. Emerson has been with us for a year and Kortney for two, and now we are looking for big things on the court from them.

“This year will be a much exciting year for us. I’m looking forward to it.”

West opens its regular season Tuesday with a nonconference match at Huntsville.