Volleyball season unfolds this week and Dulaney and Towson are eager to renew a fierce rivalry that culminated with some thrilling action late last season.
The Generals defeated the Lions in the regular-season finale in four sets, but the Lions went on to eliminate them in the regional semifinals in five sets. The Lions later captured the regional championship with a victory over Catonsville.
The rivals will meet twice this season, at Towson on Oct. 4, and at Dulaney in the regular-season finale on Oct. 25.
Loch Raven hopes to make a strong postseason push with a roster that includes 10 seniors.
Here is a look at who will be in the court for the three area public school squads.
Dulaney
Coach: Cary Lyon, 21st year
2023 record: 12-7, won regional championship
Top returning players: Senior Brook Adams (MB); junior Eileen Lee (Libero, leading team in passing and digs).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Serafina Reckamp (S/OH, setting efficiency .273)
Coach’s outlook: “Average to good…fundamentally sound yet without any ’superstars.'”
County/conference outlook: “Maybe top one to three.”
First game: at McDonogh, Sept. 6, 5:30 p.m.
Loch Raven
Coach: Marty Knox, second year
2023 record: 7-4
Top returning players: Seniors Luisa Depkin (MH, All-County, co-captain) and Maya Bogier (co-captain), Phoebe Radcliffe (S).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors June Wagner (OH, transfer from Germany) and Layla Khadem (MH).
Coach’s outlook: “I’m expecting them to have our first home playoff game this year in a long time and the goal is to at leas make it to the regional final. I have 10 seniors this year and a majority of the team were playing varsity as 10th graders so they should have enough experience now. I feel very comfortable in their experience.”
County/conference outlook: “We have some tough teams, but we played pretty well against them last year.”
First game: vs. Chesapeake, Sept 11, 5:30 p.m.
Towson
Coach: Morgan Puller, first year
2023 record: 10-3
Top returning players: Seniors Yzabel Brittania (L, All-County) and Penney Hardesty (MH/OH).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Lucille Hardesty (OH/DS), Sarah Batie (MH) and Lillian Baldus (L/DS).
Coach’s outlook: “Coming from a successful season finishing fourth overall in our league, we have set high expectations for ourselves. The team has shown teamwork and determination as they worked through summer workouts and camps to prepare for a tough season ahead. We are striving to stay mindful and grow each and every day. With the perfect mix of experienced returning varsity players and a very talented sophomore class, they continue to make each other better on and off the court.”
County/conference outlook: “Last season, our competitiveness and talent led us to many five-set matches and secured several key victories against tough opponents in the league. While we continue to train and improve we are looking forward to overcoming the challenges that arrive this season. Our team chemistry and leadership is exciting to watch on and off the court and I can’t wait to see the impact they leave on the Towson volleyball program.”
First game: at Catonsville, Sept 11, 5:30 p.m.
![South Carroll wrestling, Francis Scott Key softball, Manchester Valley girls lacrosse and last but not least: Manchester Valley field hockey. Few teams have been as dominant against county competition the past couple of years and Denean Koontz’s program is no exception. Entering her 31st season, Koontz once again enjoys an embarrassment of riches as she glances at her roster. Now a sophomore, Taylor Fique is back along with fellow Player of the Year candidates Sophie Baer and Amanda Herrold to lead one of the county’s deepest lineups. The Mavericks are back and ready defend their undefeated county championship. After a […]](https://www.baltimoresun.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2023/11/08/QT6FPF3NJZD65EEDR2CNSU4VMI.jpg?w=535 "South Carroll wrestling, Francis Scott Key softball, Manchester Valley girls lacrosse and last but not least: Manchester Valley field hockey. Few teams have been as dominant against county competition the past couple of years and Denean Koontz’s program is no exception. Entering her 31st season, Koontz once again enjoys an embarrassment of riches as she glances at her roster. Now a sophomore, Taylor Fique is back along with fellow Player of the Year candidates Sophie Baer and Amanda Herrold to lead one of the county’s deepest lineups. The Mavericks are back and ready defend their undefeated county championship. After a […]")