Roy-Hart returns veteran group with which to defend N-O volleyball title

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Defending Niagara-Orleans League champion Roy-Hart’s veteran group includes, in front, Samantha McIntyre, Amber Hoerner and Juliana Buscarino. In back are Samantha Albright, Mckenna Elsenheimer, Alexis Stern and Emily Scott.

Last fall Roy-Hart ended a 12 year title drought by capturing the Niagara-Orleans League volleyball championship with a 10-0 record. Now, with seven returnees on hand the Lady Rams are taking aim at making it two title seasons in a row.

The Lady Rams veteran contingent includes seniors Samantha Albright, Alex Stern, Mckenna Elsenheimer, Samantha McIntyre, Juliana Buscarino, Amber Hoerner and Emily Scott.

Albright earned first team N-O All League honors while Stern was a second team honoree and Elsenheimer and McIntyre Honorable Mention selections.

“Our goal is to repeat,” said Coach Doug Meyer. “We’ve got a good group back with good experience so we are looking for a real good season.”

The Lady Rams graduation losses included first team All-League honorees Allison Dent and Marissa Scott and second team selection Ava Brigham.

Roy-Hart will begin its title defense at home on Thursday against Akron, which finished in the runner-up spot last fall at 8-2.

Newfane
Looking to improve on last year’s third place finish (6-4), Newfane returns a trio of returning senior starters including Emma Hoffmer, who earned first team All-League honors, Lauren Bax, who was a second team honoree and Charley Buscaglia who was an Honorable Mention selection.

The Lady Panthers are also looking to seniors Melissa Klinger, Lorin Ander, Reese Rutherford and junior MyKayla Schultz.

“This year I have huge expectations from this team composed of 8 returning seniors,” said Coach Alexis Damon. “We battled last year to take third place in league and this year and I would to continue the success and show how far Newfane volleyball has come in the last few seasons.”