Maplewood Tigers
Coach (season): Sheila Bancroft (27th season)
2011 overall record: 16-8
2011 region record (place): 10-4 (third)
2011 playoff results: Qualified for the District 10 Class A playoffs and went 2-1 in pool play. Maplewood then defeated Saegertown 13-25, 25-18, 25-15 in the semifinals before losing to Linesville 25-20, 25-17, 25-16 in the District 10 Class A championship. Maplewood defeated Elderton 25-18, 25-20, 25-20 in the first round of the PIAA playoffs and went 2-1 in pool play. The Tigers’ playoff run ended in the PIAA semifinals against Linesville 25-17, 26-24, 25-10.
Top players lost: Olivia Graff, Emma Parker
Top returning players: Kendra Turner, Madalyn Nicols, Emily Merritt, Ashley Myers
Assistant coaches: Angela Groshner, Krysti Nageotte, Marisa Phelan
Outlook: Maplewood’s biggest problem last fall resided in the same county. Linesville beat the Tigers in the District 10 Class A championship and in the PIAA semifinals. With Linesville turning into Conneaut and moving up to Class AA, Maplewood emerges as an immediate favorite in Class A. The Tigers graduated all-region setter Olivia Graff (first team) and all-region outside hitter (second). The two were standout players and will need to be replaced immediately. Maplewood returns an experienced group led by second-team middle hitter Kendra Turner. Also back are hitters Madalyn Nicols and Ashley Myers along with libero Emily Merritt. The four could receive big contributions from new players Taylor Smith, Laura Kirk, Jessa Covine, Elizabeth Miller and Jaricka Simmerman. Coach Sheila Bancroft is looking for Simmerman and Myers to step in and run the offense while Maplewood should be strong on the outside. The big key will be developing some power on offense and overcoming size issues. The Tigers have tough matches with Saegertown on Sept. 18 and Oct. 11 but expectations are this fall with another District 10 Class A championship in mind.
Schedule
September
11 at Eisenhower* 7:30
13 Cambridge Springs* 7:30
18 at Saegertown* 7:30
20 Youngsville* 7:30
25 at Rocky Grove* 7:30
27 Cochranton* 7:30
October
2 Union City* 7:30
4 Eisenhower* 7:30
9 at Cambridge Springs* 7:30
11 Saegertown* 7:30
16 at Youngsville* 7:30
18 Rocky Grove* 7:30
23 at Cochranton* 7:30
25 at Union City* 7:30
*Region 2 matches
Later today: McDowell
– Tom Reisenweber
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