NTL VOLLEYBALL: TOWANDA SHOWS FUTURE POTENTIAL IN REBUILDING 2023 SEASON (2023-11-13)

Northern Tier Sports Report
Towanda had their biggest change in 50 years as longtime coach Linda Messner stepped down, and a former player, Cassie Smith, stepped in.

With a roster made up of just two upper classmen Towanda flirted with a playoff berth as they worked to rebuild for the future.

“Overall, I am very impressed with how my players performed this season,” said Smith. “They showed perseverance and determination to earn each and every win. Even in the matches they lost, they took a set off of some very skilled teams. There were highs and lows, as with every season, but I think they showed that they are contenders.”

They opened the year with a three match winning streak, as Smith’s first career win came in a 3-2 thriller against Canton. That was followed by wins against Sayre (3-1) and Wyalusing (3-0).

However, that gave way to a five match losing streak against teams that made the postseason.

They rebounded with a home win over Hughesville (3-0), and another thriller on the road against Mountain View (3-2).

Sitting at 5-5 they had a chance to get to .500, but with a tough schedule they went just 1-8 the rest of the way.

They scored their third five set win of the season against Athens, and took a set off playoff teams Williamson (3-1), Troy (3-1), and Wellsboro (3-1) in losses.

Senior Shay Greenland led them in digs (122) and assists (164) while also serving up 125 points and 26 aces.

Sophomore Brooklyn Evans led them in blocks (59) and finished with over 100 kills (109), while fellow sophomore Brynn Woodruff led the team in kills (127).

Another sophomore, Kaya Johnson, led the team in points (139), with Caedence Wells leading the team in aces (39), while freshman Karis Flynn (103 points, 114 assists, 116 digs) also had a strong season.

They lose just Greenland to graduation, and the bulk of their returnees are sophomores and freshmen, showing they have a bright future ahead.

“This is a young group, so I am very excited to see what they accomplish in the future, and I am grateful for this opportunity to be their coach,” Smith remarked.

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