By William for www.mcpherson-county-ks.com

            CANTON – It was not a good season in 2021 for the Canton/Galva volleyball program and due to that they will have a new coach to work with a hearty group of incoming freshmen.

            Besides closing out the 2021 season in eighth place for the Wheat State League, the Lady Eagles also stumbled to just a 5-22 record overall.

            There has been a coaching change and now in charge of the Canton/Galva volleyball program is Jessica Putman, assisted by Kari Moddelmog.

            “I’m excited to watch this young team progress and grow as a whole this upcoming season,” pointed out coach Putman in some brief pre-season reflections.

            Leading the team in 2022 will be seniors Liliana Espinoza and Brecken Pearson. Espinoza transferred in last season and played an outside hitter position where she scored 90 kills while leading the Lady Eagles in digs with 181. Pearson, playing as the setter, recorded a whopping 252 assists in 2021 to go with 35 aces.

            Despite having a high number of incoming freshmen joining the program, the coaches noted that one, Trinity Espinoza, has been noticed as a possible strong outside hitter.

            Concluding her pre-season reflections, coach Putman added, “We have a large class of incoming freshman that is going to add some desired depth and drive to push us to our full potential. The girls have put in a lot of work this summer and have really set the tone for the upcoming season!”

            The Lady Eagles will open the 2022 season on Tuesday, August 30 hosting a triangular with Inman and Centre.

2022 CANTON/GALVA LADY EAGLE SCHEDULE:

  • Tuesday, August 30 – Home with Inman & Centre.
  • Tuesday, September 6 – at Goessel with Peabody/Burns & Solomon.
  • Saturday, September 10 – at Goessel Tournament.
  • Tuesday, September 13 – at Herington with Solomon & Little River.
  • Tuesday, September 20 – Home with Solomon, Little River & Elyria Christian.
  • Thursday, September 22 – at Burton with Elyria Christian.
  • Saturday, September 24 – at Herington Tournament.
  • Tuesday, September 27 – at Solomon.
  • Saturday, October 1 – Home for Canton/Galva Tournament.
  • Tuesday, October 4 – at Solomon with Wakefield & Rural Vista.
  • Saturday, October 15 – at Hope for Wheat State League Tournament.
  • Saturday, October 22 – at Sub-State.
  • Friday & Saturday, October 28-29 – at State Tournament in Dodge City.

(William is a free-lance writer covering McPherson County Activities – he can be reached at crossdovewriter@gmail.com)