PAGE A22, KEIZERTIMES, AUGUST 27, 2021
Celts hope to build off success from last season
McNary outside hitter Maddox Snider goes up for a kill in a match against South Salem last season. Snider, a senior, will be one of the top players for the Celtics this season.
BY MATT RAWLINGS
Of the Keizertimes
After going 11-2 during the shortened
spring season, the McNary volleyball squad
has been itching to get back on the court
since April. But according to head coach
Crystal DeMello, what the team is most
looking forward to is having fans back in
the stands for the first time in nearly two
years.
“It is a big deal. They are really excited
to have their friends and family back in the
stands. I think they appreciate the crowd
more now,” DeMello said. “I couldn't be
more grateful. I think it's amazing on all
Volleyball
fronts and that it is so good for our student
athletes.”
The Celtics had an up-and-down season
in 2019. Despite finishing four games under
.500, they did qualify for a playoff spot. Last
season, however, McNary played like they
had something to prove.
“We came into the season really hun-
gry and it just created some great chem-
istry for the team. It meant a lot for them
to be on the court together. We lost some
large senior roles, but these girls are more
than ready to step in and play together,”
DeMello said.
While the Celtics did lose three seniors
from last year's squad — including Taylor
Ebbs, who led the team in kills — McNary
does return the majority of their roster, led
by junior setter Maddison Corpe and senior
outside hitter/middle blocker Maddox
Snider. Both are three-year varsity players
that bring great versatility to the court.
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“They each bring a different energy to
the court and they compliment each other
really well,” DeMello said. “The versatility
that all of our players have is going to be a
tool that we use a lot this year.”
McNary also brings back experienced
defensive specialists in senior Chloe Farr
and junior Isabella Rodriguez.
“Chloe is a really strong DS with a great
serve. And Bella's ability to serve-receive
will once again be a great asset for us. They
are both big assets to our defensive sys-
tem,” DeMello said.
Along with their court coverage during
matches, DeMello also appreciates how
By STEVE BREEN
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