With eight players returning to the lineup that reached the Class 4A state volleyball tournament a year ago, the Tuttle Lady Tigers are preparing to “run it back” this fall.  Head coach Karen Yarbrough, now in her third season, welcomes a roster that by grade level is still young but by experience, talent and effort has the skills for another successful campaign following a 20-10 record in 2020.

“Even though we lost two seniors to graduation plus a season ending injury to our defensive specialist Kelsey Matlock, I’m confident we have the chance to be an even better team this fall,” said Yarbrough. “Our young ones from last year now know what’s required to be successful and we have some freshmen that are really skilled.”

Last year’s assist leader and second best hitting average performer Peyton Yarbrough enters her junior season as an outside hitter/setter combo talent joined by sophomores Callie Dornan, who shifts from right side to the middle and setter Maranda Overholt. Adding to the experience on the court will be sophomore libero Hannah Hutchison and Darci Dewitt on the right side. Two freshmen, Kelsi McCarthey and Hadley Cocannouer, are new to the varsity roster yet bring plenty of volleyball talent on the floor.

“Volleyball is such a mental game that requires the ability to stay focused when a match is on the line,” said the Lady Tigers’ head coach. “This group has trained endlessly during the offseason to be in top shape both physically as well as mentally.”

Members of the Western Conference, Yarbrough points out the keys to Tuttle earning a repeat trip to the big show later this fall.

“We have to improve our blocking game and fill some spots defensively to get back to the state tournament. I like our lineup of playmakers and I’m excited to watch our progress and see it all come together.