BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
It was an up-and-down season for Canton volleyball as they showed their potential at times, and their youth at others times as they finished the season 8-11.
“We were an overall young team this year, being led by our sole senior, Tara Gilbert,” said Canton coach Jackie Thompson. “She was a fierce offensively and we could rely on her at the service line. She did a great job leading by example and always keeping a great attitude.”
Canton opened with a loss to Wellsboro (3-0) but followed that with wins over NEB (3-0) and CV (3-1).
After a pair of losses they pulled out a five set win over South Williamsport (3-2), then got the season sweep of NEB (3-0).
They followed that up with three close losses: Sayre (3-2), Williamson (3-2), and Wyalusing (3-1), then ended that skid with a big win over CV (3-1).
Two more close losses followed - Loyalsock (3-2) and Troy (3-1) - before getting a pair of big wins over South Williamsport (3-0) and Towanda (3-2).
After a loss to Athens (3-1) they got revenge on Sayre (3-2), then ended the season with losses to playoff teams Wyalusing (3-2) and NPL (3-0).
“At different points in the season, we had freshman step into some crucial roles and gain some great experience which will be helpful in the future,” Thompson said.
Gilbert had a strong all-around season with 106 kills, 193 points, 47 aces, and 135 digs, while Cailyn VanNoy finished with 114 kills and 224 digs.
Kaybree Kendall finished with 225 digs as MaKenna Seachrist notched 84 kills and 27 blocks.
Brenna VanNoy had 254 assists, Danah Wesneski finished with 119 points, and Adelyn Cardona added 31 blocks.
They lose just one season in Gilbert, but the new classifications means new opponents for districts - Williamson, South Williamsport, East Juniata, and CV - but the NTL Small School division should remain unchanged.
“We had quite a few close matches this year that we struggled to finish,” said Thompson. “I think the experience we gained, will become the difference maker in turning those close matches in our favor next year.”
