and Jason Winchell
Another former state champion that finished last season 8-7 and on the outside of the postseason looking in is St. Mark’s, but the Spartans are hopeful their fortunes will turn around in 2015. They are bringing back three seniors and five juniors, along with four sophomores. Nearly all have varsity experience.
The leaders are seniors Addison Reich and Kara Wirt. Wirt had 281 assists last season, while Reich teamed with junior Genevieve Hughes and sophomore Gillian Lytle for 183 kills.
Reich said she has noticed a better bond among the Spartans in 2015. “This year, we are all really good friends, so I think we’re going to get a lot better. We’re going to be really strong, I think.”
St. Mark’s plays one of the toughest schedules in the state, with road games at St. Georges and Friends to begin the year. The Spartans enjoy a four-match homestand after that. The slate also includes a visit to DMA and home meetings with Archmere and Charter. The team can’t afford a slow start, according to Wirt.
“We’re looking to start off a lot stronger than last year. We want to start off strong and get the momentum going,” she said.
“We’re getting a lot of good work done,” Wirt added. “I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Schedule
Friday, Sept. 11: at St. Georges, 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 16: at Wilmington Friends, 5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18: Smyrna, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 22: Padua, 7:15 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 24: St. Elizabeth, 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 29: Archmere, 7:15 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 1: at Ursuline, 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 6: at Wilmington Christian, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 8: at St. Elizabeth, 7:15 p.m.
Thuesday, Oct. 13: at Delaware Military, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16: Wilmington Charter, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 20: at Red Lion, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: at Padua, 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 29: Delmar, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Ursuline, 7:15 p.m.