With nine letter winners and six starters returning from a team that went 12-7 and made the playoffs as the runner-up in District 4-5A, the Abilene Wylie volleyball team has high hopes for the upcoming season. Shay Cox, beginning her seventh season as the Lady Bulldogs’ head coach, says her team’s strength is its versatility.
Lilly Doby and Jaron McAden, who will both play middle blocker and outside hitter, lead the list of experienced players for Wylie.
“Lilly is part of a big group of seniors that have set big goals as a team this year,” Cox said. “We expect big things from Jaron this season on the outside or in the middle. She is definitely spark for us offensively.”
Doby led the team with 204 kills last season.
Another senior, Lexi Miller, is the team’s setter. She had 603 assists last season.
“Lexi has been running the floor for us for three years,” Cox noted. “This year she may do some hitting herself along with working to spread the offense around.”
Senior Dusti Grant, who had a team-high 319 digs last season, is a defensive specialist.
“Dusti gets out offense going with her passing and reads so well for us defensively,” Cox continued.
Katalina Martinez and Brylee Pursley are also returning defensive specialists with experience.
India Maroney, a 6-1 sophomore, will provide depth on the front line along with Ashlie Daniels and Faith Cary.
Cox said the Lady Bulldogs are “heavy on experience and leadership this year.” Wylie lost a five-set heartbreaker to defending state runner-up Canyon Randall in bi-district.
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