The 2011 edition of the Valley Lumberjill volleyball team is pictured. Front row from left: Kaitlin Midcap and Heather Quinn; second row: Ali Haught, Hannah Loy, Brittany Sivert, and Justine Miller; back row: Whitney Haught, Sarah Bassett, Gabby Wade, Summer Briggs and Sammy Roberts; missing from the photo were, Head Coach Gary Partridge, Brooke Staley, Brittany Haught, and Megan Cain. (Photo by Bruce Crawford)

There isn’t an “Under Construction” sign outside the Valley High School Gymnasium these days, although there should probably could be.

With a fresh bunch of new faces aboard with a new attitude, veteran Volleyball Coach Gary Partridge feels that this could be the turning point at Valley.

After losing Leah Morris, Tiffany Hayes, Allyson Ashcraft, Ashley Staley, Cassie Ueltschy, Carla Mason, Brittany Kuhens, and Olivia Brisendine to graduation last fall, this team will be a work in progress for a while.

“I’m learning about the girls and they are learning about me. There is an adjustment period, but I’m very pleased with how things are going so far,” said Partridge.

With a middle school volleyball team in place this season, Partridge can get the show going early and build from some girls with some experience, rather than just having to start fresh. And it’s got him excited.

“If this program is going to turn the corner, two things must happen right away. The players must dedicate themselves to the team concept and devote themselves to the strength and conditioning program,” added Partridge.

He thinks the potential is there to enjoy some success this season, but it’s not going to happen overnight.

“However, if we do things right and build from it from top to bottom, we’ll be fine,” added Partridge.

Playing key leadership roles are seniors Kaitlyn Midcap, Heather Quinn, and Brooke Staley. Midcap is a backline hitter and an excellent server; Quinn is a versatile performer, who is being counted on to contribute as an outside hitter this fall; and Staley, like Midcap, plays the back line and gives the Lady ‘Jills a reliable player to handle those nasty spikes that come back there from time to time. Also on the varsity team are, juniors Jessica Ashcraft, Alison Haught, Hannah Loy, and Brittany Sivert. Ashcraft is the team’s setter.

Coach Partridge is excited that Haught is targeted to play in the middle of the ‘Jills front line because of her ability to hit to both sides of the court.

Partridge had said that she has picked up her game over the summer as a server and all-around player.

Loy plays the backline and Sivert is an outside hitter.

The rest of the squad consists of Justine Miller, Summer Briggs, Whitney Haught, Sarah Bassett, Megan Cain, Samantha Roberts, and Gabby Wade.

The Lumberjills will open their season on the road Sept. 1 when they travel to Paden City for a tri-match with the Lady Wildcats and Bellaire St. John, beginning at 6:30 p.m.