Belgreen Bulldogs bring experience and high expectations to volleyball

Experience will be one of the biggest strengths for the Belgreen Bulldogs volleyball team, with a roster filled with players who have spent years competing together.

The Bulldogs have two senior setters in Leah Blackburn and Madalyn Lemay. The pair will run a 6-2 offense, giving Belgreen two experienced players to lead the attack.

Terry said both setters have been doing well and will play an important role for the team.

“They’re going to be big for our team this year,” she said.

Belgreen also returns several experienced hitters.

Lilliana Willingham has been a main middle hitter for several seasons. Junior Randi Terry returns as an outside hitter after being a consistent contributor over the past two years.

Madison McKee also brings several years of varsity experience and is expected to contribute in multiple areas.

The Bulldogs have eight seniors on the roster, giving Terry one of her more experienced teams.

Among the seniors are Blackburn, Lemay, Willingham, McKee, Kiera Smith, Chloe Blanton, Caleigh Lawson and Kirby Schucker.

Terry said the team’s senior class includes players with different levels of experience. Some have been varsity contributors for years, while others are stepping into larger roles.

Lawson, for example, was a strong middle hitter and server on the junior varsity team last year and is expected to take on a larger role.

“She’s going to fill a big role,” Terry said.

The Bulldogs are also working to determine their defensive lineup. A rule change allowing teams to use two liberos could give coaches more flexibility, although Terry said she was still evaluating how Belgreen would use the position.

Serving is another area Terry expects to be a strength. Lawson and Terry are among the team’s most consistent servers.

Belgreen competes in Class 1A, Area 14. Terry saidshewantstheBulldogs to set goals throughout the year rather than looking too far ahead.

Her expectations are high, but she wants the team to focus on one challenge at a time.

“I want to take it one step at a time,” Terry said. “We’re going to set small goals for ourselves, and when we reach that goal, then we look to the next goal.”

For Terry, that means approaching each match with the same mindset: win, improve and then find another way to get better.

“Game one, let’s win,” she said. “Game two, let’s get a little better than game one.”