The VolleyDawgs are working to reach new heights – both literally and figuratively.

A key part of winning games for these girls is how tall their front row is. With junior Anne Claire Myers coming in at 6-foot-1 and senior Alina Turowski following at 6-0, the team has a better chance of getting key blocks.

“We have a very tall front row, and it is very helpful to get up in the air and be on top of the ball,” Turowski said. “Height in volleyball in the front row is very important.

“This is what people look and recruit for.”

The Lady Bulldogs play rival Farragut on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Senior Alyssa Campbell says Turowski and Myers are a “huge asset” to the team in regards to leading and blocking. 

“They bring so much to the table,” Campbell said. “Height, energy, everything.”

Preseason preparations for this year have consisted of 6 a.m. practices, team bonding in and out of practice, and extensive training. 

“I think it is going to be a great year,” Campbell said. “We have all put in the work, and I think we have a lot to bring to the table.”

This year the seniors are looking at a team reinvention process as the previous JV coach Kaity Davidson has become varsity coach. Coach Davidson has focused on building team morale and keeping the girls together as a unit. 

Coach Davidson has ensured that the seniors are keeping the team in check and that everyone is on the same page. Getting the team to work together as a unit is her goal on and off the court.

“We want to play, and we are ready to play,” Turowski says. “In the past, the seniors have set expectations, and we haven’t met them.

“As a senior and as a captain, I am just trying to make sure we are all seeing potential and staying connected through our ideas and goals.”