Yes, with only one returning senior on the roster, the Minerva girls volleyball team will be younger than most of its opponents this fall. Don’t count the Lady Lions out, however.
The 2025 iteration of the squad bid three seniors a fond farewell, most notably middle hitter and defensive specialist Sierra Cress, who was a former second team Stark County selection. Setter Mady Morckel, who received Stark County honorable mention recognition, and outside hitter Olivia Bradley also departed.
A lot of the Lady Lions’ firepower, however, returns, most notably in the form of lone returning senior Becca Jackson (OH) and junior Ayla Shellenbarger (OH/S). Minerva coach Tiffany Oaks, who enters her 13th year in charge of the program, refers to the duo as the Lions’ “heavy hitters,” and for good reason.
On last year’s team, which finished 10-13 overall, the pair finished one-two in kills, Shellenbarger ending up with 257 (3.3 per set) while Jackson dished out 189 (2.4 per set).Jackson was also first in receptions (361) and digs (307). Shellenbarger, meanwhile, led in aces served (47), and was second in digs with 278, and assists with 174.
“Becca Jackson and Ayla Shellenbarger are on the court for all six rotations,” said Oaks. “They will be our kill leaders each game.”
Also returning to the fold are juniors Jenna Dowell (libero), who finished second last year in receptions with 309, as well as Adrianna Kashdan (OH/DS) and sophomore Emma Catlett (DS).
“Jenna Dowell is our libero and will rack up the digs along with Becca and Ayla,” said Oaks.
Thus far, Oaks has been dead on as Shellenbarger and Jackson accounted for 38 kills and 43 digsin a recent 3-1 win over Steubenville.
Newer players who will be expected to step in and contribute right away include sophomores Gracie Momirov-Dierick (MH) and Addyson Kocher (S). Kocher could pick up some of the slack left by Morckel’s graduation.
Lastly, freshmen Jillian Dowell (OH) and Hudson Shellenbarger (DS) will also be added to the mix as the Lady Lions look to improve on last season’s fourth-place showing in the Eastern Buckeye Conference, which slotted them in fourth place.
Youth brings several advantages, such as seemingly endless energy. Inexperience, however, can be a detriment, but Oaks has confidence in her crew.
“Since we are young, we will struggle with the pace of the game,” she said. “I don’t see it taking long for them to adjust, though.”
After beginning the season with two consecutive losses, Minerva has reeled off two consecutive wins to move to .500 on the year.
“We are a young team, but the girls work so well together on the court,” said Oaks. “The intensity they play with is amazing, and they do a great job of fighting to the end.”
