Canton volleyball has been knocking at the door of a district title the past two seasons, and this is the year they're hoping to make it happen. They boast an experienced roster led by three seniors.

"It definitely brings a different order to the gym," coach Jackie Thompson said about this group. "The girls already have started off with more confidence than what I've seen out of them in the last three years I've had this group. They bring a different level of enthusiasm in drills, and it's been really awesome to watch."

The three seniors - Cailyn Van Noy, Danah Wesneski, and McKenna Seachrist - have all taken on leadership roles for the Warriors.

"We've had older girls who took the leadership role, and now it's you have to fill that role, which can be tough," said Van Noy.

Being more experienced has helped the seniors hit the ground running with the team.

"I think that with more experience we'll be able to communicate with each other, so we've got to know each other, and we've all grown in a family dynamic," remarked Wesneski.

Canton has always been known for their gritty defense, but this year they'd like to show off their offensive prowess, too.

"We'll still have freshmen taking some offensive roles a little bit this year, but, overall, I think having that year under their belt will definitely make the offense more consistent," Thompson said. "Honestly, that's what we dealt with last year was inconsistency in the offense, and that's really what we've been working on."

They've really been working with their setters, with Canton possibly running through two setters this year.

"It's going to be so much better because they know all the hitters," said Seachrist. "I think it's just going to be better for our defense and offense all around."

Seachrist had 84 kills last year while Wesneski finished 44.

"It's exciting playing with these young setters," Wesneski said about playing right side hitter. "They're improving every day with their sets. I think they're really growing."

One big change will be Van Noy moving to libero. She led the team in kills last year but also garnered 224 kills.

"That kid led us in digs last year in three rotations out of the back row," said Thompson. "We had a chat, and I just thought it would be good of her to take on that role. She leads our serve receive very well, she knows where people are supposed to be, and to have her take on that role, it's just settled our defense to have that consistency back there. And you see a world a difference with the rest of them."

Going from outside hitter to libero is quite the change but Van Noy is up for it.

"There's a lot of different things," she said. "You learn how to hit, and then you've got to learn how to play defense, and only defense, so it's definitely going to be a switch, but I think its the best for our team, and I'm excited."

The PIAA took volleyball from four to six classes this year, putting the Warriors in the same playoff bracket with Williamson, South Williamsport, East Juniata, and CV.

That'll definitely change the look of the playoffs, but that hasn't changed their goals any when it comes to the end of the season.

"I think we definitely can this year," said Seachrist. "If we really focus on our defense and offense, and all working together as a team."

ROSTER

Makenna Seachrist (12)

Cailyn Van Noy (12)

Danah Wesneski (12)

Adelynn Cardona (11)

Emilia Pepper (11)

Jericka Strozyk (11)

Kaybree Kendall (10)

Raya Preston (10)

Lindley Sechrist (10)

Brenna Van Noy (10)

Emilee Walker (10)

Hannah Walters (10)

Lexi McMurray (10)

Amelia Pepper (10)

Nayeli Strozyk (10)

Kathryn Wile (10)

Peyton Taylor (9)

Brooke Murphy (9)

Elsie Pepper (9)

Bryelle Space (9)

SCHEDULE

Aug 29 at Williamson Tournament

Sep. 1 at Williamson, 7 p.m.

Sep. 3 at CV, 7 p.m.

Sep. 8 vs Athens, 7 p.m.

Sep. 14 at South Williamsport, 7 p.m.

Sep. 15 vs Towanda, 7 p.m.

Sep. 17 vs NEB, 7 p.m.

Sep. 22 at Wyalusing, 7 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Troy, 7 p.m.

Sep. 29 vs Wellsboro, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 vs NPL, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 vs South Williamsport, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 vs Williamson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Sayre, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 vs Loyalsock, Montoursville, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 13 vs CV, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at NEB, 7 p.m.