Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers Volleyball Team set to open the 2017 season tonight at Williamsville

[August 29, 2017]  Mount Pulaski Volleyball Coach Donna Dulle is entering her 37th season as head coach. She introduced her team to fans on Friday night during a scrimmage at the Ed Butkovich Gymnasium.

Dulle sees a great season ahead for the ladies, who opened the regular season tonight at Williamsville. "I think we are a stronger team than last year actually,” said the veteran coach. "They just really mesh so well. We had a scrimmage Friday night and both the JV and Varsity played really well. It’s exciting to watch them. They are an exciting team. I think we are a little better defensively than last year. Of course, the girls are a year older. We lost a couple pretty good seniors to graduation but I think these girls have grown emotionally, mentally and physically. I think that is going to be to our advantage. Four of these girls played a lot all the time last year and that experience will help.”

Dulle also noted how these girls have gotten stronger and more mature. “The maturity of these girls from the sophomore to the junior year is big. They are ready to be leaders. That year makes a big difference.” The 2017 team features one senior among six juniors, six sophomores and four freshmen.

The 2017 Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers Volleyball Team, front row L to R: Grace Rehder, Lexis Caslin, Makayla Stewart, Kaylee Wilham, Isabella Wade, Chloe Olson, Taylor Trimmer and Samantha Wasem. Back Row L to R: Leah Becker, Zoey Lowe, Paige Stewart, Skylar Hayes, Jade Stewart, Abigail Fitzpatrick, Morgan May, Madison Thomas and Savana Moore.

Sophomore Paige Stewart comes in as the tallest Topper on this year’s squad. Stewart is a 5’11 middle hitter. Junior Abigail Fitzpatrick looks to have grown since last season. Fitzpatrick, an outside hitter, is now listed as 5’9. Skylar Hayes will round out the front line as a 5’8 outside hitter for the Toppers.

Mount Pulaski’s first home game will be Thursday night versus Athens.

[Teena Lowery]