Magnolia veteran Volleyball Head Coach Pam Chapman has 22 spikers out this season that include 18 underclassmen and four seniors.

With that many players out, Chapman has her hands full. However, with an outstanding middle school program in place, this year’s Lady Eagles could be making some noise in the Ohio Valley and the state by the end of the season.

“We have 22 ladies out that want to play volleyball,” Chapman commented, “and they are working very hard at practice. They all worked extremely hard during the summer and it looks like it’s paying off.”

Magnolia lost several players to graduation last year, including Lacy Jackson, who was heart and soul of the club. That responsibility passes this year to senior attacker Jordan “I-Got-You” Babe. Babe, like Jackson, is an attacker who can and will get down and dirty when its needed. In addition, she can use finesse where its necessary. She leaves her blood, sweat and tears on the floor every day, whether it’s at practice or during the game.

The other senior starters are front line attacker Alivia Melott, Emily Blake and Makensie Dawson. Dawson was the setter last season and moves to the back line this year, while sophomore Lauren Cline takes over the setter’s job to help strengthen the back and front lines.

Sophomores Emily Clegg and Mallory Chapman round out the starters. Clegg plays outside hitter, while the lefty Chapman will team with Babe and Melott on the front line.

The rest of the varsity lineup includes Erin Clegg and Hillary Feldmier. Chapman will not hesitate to bring up a girl from the junior varsity squad if they can help them in some way or another. Lost to an injury is senior front line attacker Marissa Bosley, who will be missed, but not forgotten. Also out on an injury this season is ninth grader Abby Durig, who will be the team’s scorekeeper.

The junior varsity team includes Jordan Grimm, Halley Cecil, Kacie Jo Brown, Krysta Henderson, Marie Stranholmen, Kasey Hilbert, Katie Blatt, Audrey Gibb, Shannon Williams, Kiera Standiford, Joanna Graham, Ashley Moore and Katarina McElaney.

The Lady Eagles will begin their 2011 season at 5 p.m. Aug. 31 at Union Local and won’t play in the HammerDome until Sept. 12 against Wheeling Central in a 6 p.m. contest.