Reed City's volleyball team will have its first home match on Tuesday.
File photoREED CITY – The talent is rich for the Reed City volleyball squad this season.
The Coyotes were slated to open their season at Friday at the Beaverton Invitational. Their first home game is Tuesday against Central Montcalm in Central State Activities Association play.
They will have a home invitational on Aug. 27. Evart will be among the opponents.
The Coyotes are coming off a 15-21 season last year.
“We improved as a team all season and were playing quite well at season’s end,” Patterson said. “We will miss Katelynn Holmes and Demi Lodholtz as middles.”
Patterson has some key talent players returning.
“Kyleigh Weck and Christina Malackanich will anchor the offense, and Kendell Henry will be a defensive stalwart,” Patterson said. “Rachael Van Syckle will again be our setter and Molly Bowman, Kenzie Shoemaker and Andie Bennett will contribute as outside hitters. Incoming freshman Emma Johnston will spend time as a middle blocker.”
Patterson is setting his goals high in the Central State Activities Association.
“We will compete for a conference championship,” Patterson said. “We will serve well and will grow offensively as the season progresses. We will be working on defense all year.”
The CSAA will be an 11-team conference and includes a post-season tournament.
“The conference again is very strong and with the change in members, it could be very competitive,” Patterson said.
The Coyotes will have an early-season showdown at Big Rapids against the Cardinals on Aug. 30. Reed City is hosting the Osceola County Showdown on Oct. 27 and the Division 2 District 35 tournament the week of Oct. 31.
