The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON – The Dayton HS Volleyball Team returns this year with nearly the same lineup that finished 11-5 last season. So hopes are high for an even better result for coach Shannon Turner's team, which will return seven varsity players from last year.

But last year's lone senior, Madison Mings, leaves big shoes to fill. "Her competitiveness will definitely be missed on the court this season," Turner said of Mings. "She was an all-around key player."

Turner will have three seniors returning to the lineup this year – all veteran players. Josilyn Fullerton and Jenna Phillips were first-team all-league last year, and Mia Becker was honorable mention.

"They will all be huge assets to the Bulldog Team this season," Turner said of the three seniors. "Their leadership, motivation and experience will contribute to our success."

Also returning to the varsity line-up from last year are juniors Hanna Becker and Megan Robins. Two sophomores also return from last year's varsity team: Tatumn Laughery, the team's libero, and Kaleigh White.

"We will see alot smarter play as well as confidence from these girls this season. They are an athletic, hardworking, competitive group of girls," Turner said.

Turner's assistant coaches this year are Genna Bessey and Shane Robins.

Dayton hosted a Jamboree on Thursday last week, and will play a special alumni game Saturday at 4 p.m. League play begins Sept. 14, when the Lady Bulldogs will host Walla Walla Valley Academy, also at 4 p.m.

Dayton Varsity Volleyball Roster:

No.Name Height Year Position

  5 Josilyn Fullerton  5'9  12  S/OH

  9 Jenna Phillips  5'10  12  MB/MH

  1 Mia Becker   5'6  12  S/MB

  3 Hannah Becker  5'10  11  S/MB

 13 Megan Robins  5'8  11  RS/OH

 11 Heidi Dobbs   5'3  11  RS/OH

  2 Tatumn Laughery  5'4 10  Libero

  6 Kaleigh White  5'8 10  OH/MB

  8 Scully Castorena  5'7  10  OH