The Tyrone Lady Eagles Volleyball team is expecting big things in the 2018 season. For the first time ever, the girls won the University of Pitt-Bradford team camp tournament with an undefeated record of 10-0. They beat several district champions and state qualifying teams to take the title. In a follow-up tournament at the Eagle’s home court, Tyrone went 3-1, playing teams they normally don’t take on during the season.

“The girls are eager to begin match play in the regular season, with lots of energy moving into the first home game against Central. A successful off-season and winning the University of Pitt-Bradford Team Camp are signs of good things to come,” said  Tyrone Head Coach Mike Kraft.

With the addition of new jerseys and new team members, the Lady Eagles are hoping to improve their record from last year and advance deep into the playoffs.

“Win everything,” is the attitude junior libero Ebonee Rice expressed when asked about her goals for the season.

Players to look out for this year include sophomore Courtney Williams, who stands at 6’1” and towers over all the middles in the league, and Kylee Gooding, who is another force to be reckoned with. Gooding stands at 5’9” and adds power hitting to the left side.

“I want to show them how hard work pays off. We have very good team chemistry which will help us win big games, which I am very excited for. In the end though, I am really excited to see all of the younger girls grow into better volleyball players as they learn and develop their skills,” said Gooding, the only senior on this year’s team.

The returning letter winners include Makenna Bauer, Mattie Cherry, Brianna Foy, Kylee Gooding, Logan Johnston, Hannah Long, Ebonee Rice, Alexis Umholtz and Courtney Williams. Other returning players include Anna-Lynn Fryer, Miranda Goodman and Haven McKinley. New to the team are Maddy Beamer, Carlee Fry, Holly Long, Kaleah Smith and Macey Tuskovich.

The team is looking forward to their season opener is this Thursday at home against Central. The junior varsity game is set to play at 6 p.m. with  Varsity to follow at 7:15.