and Jason Winchell
The Ursuline Raiders will spend this season looking to re-establish themselves as a top player. For years, Sue Heiss’ teams were at or near the top, but they have missed the playoffs the last two seasons. A deeper roster with more height has brought optimism for Ursuline. It’s not as if they have fallen off a cliff; the Raiders were 8-7 last year.
Ursuline is known for its defense, and sophomore libero Samantha Davis (253 digs) will continue to show she is among the state’s best at that position. She will receive help from senior Kailyn Kampert, who added 117 digs last year. Kampert is also an offensive force as she blasted 151 kills and 12 aces. The Raiders will be strong at setter with senior Lizzie Baffone (190 assists) and junior Morgan Blasetto (108 assists).
“We have six seniors that have varsity experience, but we also have a young group. We have two freshmen and an eighth-grader that we have brought up. It’s a nice mix. We’re looking for the seniors, of course, to give them guidance. This young group is eager; they’re keeping up with the pace,” Heiss said.
Heiss is happy to have more height in the lineup. “It’s huge if you have bigger people who can put up a block because then the defense can line up correctly. Everything works off that block.”
Kampert is one of the leaders Heiss will rely on. She is ready to get Ursuline volleyball back to its usual position of prominence.
“I think 2015 looks a lot better for Ursuline volleyball. These last two years have been a struggle, so I think this is our year to bring it back. We have a lot of new talent that I think will help us so much,” Kampert said.
Heiss continues to test her team with a tough schedule. Ursuline faces the top six teams from last season and eight playoff teams, beginning on Sept. 12 with a trip to Delmar.
“I’m excited. We need to work on things, but it’s so early,” Heiss said. “The kids are happy and hungry. They want to perform.”
Schedule
Friday, Sept. 11: at Delmar, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 15: St. Elizabeth, 7:15 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 21: at St. Georges, 6:15 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25: at Padua, 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 29: at Wilmington Friends, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 1: St. Mark’s, 7:!5 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 5: at St. Elizabeth, 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 6: Merion Mercy (Pa.), 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10: Archmere, 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17: Newark Charter, 5 p.m. (Homecoming)
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Delaware Military, 7:15 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23: at Wilmington Charter, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: at Concord, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 29: Padua, 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31: at St. Mark’s, 7:15 p.m.
