SETTING THE SCENE: New Head Coach Melissa Downs takes over from former coach Ernie House for the girls varsity volleyball program this fall. Downs becomes head coach after spending the last four seasons in the Milford volleyball program, one year as a coach in the junior high program, and three as a freshman coach. She is also active on the club volleyball scene, and spent seven years as a volleyball coach in the other school systems.
The Eagles ended the 2015 regular season 16-7 overall, and with a 9-5 conference record. Turpin finished undefeated in conference play to secure the ECC title, while Anderson ended the year in second followed Milford and Loveland who tied for third in the conference.
TEAM PREVIEW: The 2016 squad returns five players from last year’s varsity team who will be relied upon to provide leadership to those new to the varsity level. Returning players include seniors Suzy Bullock and Maria Molett, as well as juniors Eden Ross, Tatum Skladany and Lisa Sullivan. Sophomores Anya Herrala and Erica Sharp are expected to contribute as well.
“The time is now for Milford Volleyball! I look forward to bringing passion, energy, dedication, pride and fun to the Eagle program,” Downs stated. “I am so excited to get things started!”
THE WEEK AHEAD: The season opens with three non-conference matchups, including a trip to Sycamore who ended Milford’s postseason in 2015 in the first round of the OHSAA Tournament.
Saturday, 8/20: Milford @ Talawanda High School, 12:00 pm
Tuesday, 8/23: Milford @ Sycamore High School, 6:30 pm
Thursday, 8/25: Amelia High School @ Milford, 7:00 pm
POLL WATCH: For at least the second consecutive year, Mt. Notre Dame opens the weekly Cincinnati Enquirer coaches’ poll at the top, followed by Ursuline Academy and St. Ursula. Mason and Lakota East start the year in the top five again as well. The ECC’s Turpin is the only conference program ranked in the top ten, while Anderson (20), Loveland (10), Kings (6), Milford (3) and Glen Este (1) all received votes in week one.