Lansing volleyball reloads

Team: Lansing volleyball

Last year’s record: 28-15

Coach: Julie Slater; assistant Rhonda Lang

Coach’s record: 750-243

Key returnees:

Bri Lozenski, senior setter; 966 assists last season

Ashley Linaweaver, senior libero; 181 digs in 2011

Jenna Hoyt, senior setter; 96 digs last year

Paige Brandt, senior outside hitter; 154 digs as a junior

Amanda Dalbey, junior outside hitter; 75 blocks to go with 118 kills last season

Newcomers to watch:

Charlotte Moe, senior middle blocker

Kelsie Pitsenbarger, senior right-side hitter

Katie Pettis, senior defensive specialist

Lindsay Davis, junior right-side hitter

Morgan Moss, junior right-side hitter

Allyssa Lutgen, junior middle blocker

Meghan Tauke, freshman middle blocker

Team Outlook: STRENGTHS — With a large amount of upper-class returnees coming back for the Lady Lions, 2012 should be another productive year under longtime coach Julie Slater.

Besides experience and leadership, the Lansing coach feels this year’s squad has strong passing and defensive skill.

WEAKNESSES —  Finishing off attacks and ending opponent’s rallies will be the key areas that the Lady Lions will hope to improve upon as the season progresses.

Big games: At Olathe East, Aug. 25; Home vs. Mill Valley and Blue Valley, Sept. 6

Coach says: “It is exciting to get started with another great group of Lansing girls who are working hard to uphold the great Lansing volleyball tradition that we have.”