Key returners poised to lead Whitefish Volleyball team

The Whitefish volleyball team will feature several key returners who will give the Lady Bulldogs the leadership the young squad needs.

Whitefish graduated a handful of players and this season has only one senior. The varsity team is comprised of an even mix of sophomores and juniors, many of which have had significant court time.

A definite leader for the girls is junior Ainsley Scott who played a lot of varsity minutes toward the end of last season.

“Ainsley Scott does a great job leading our team,” Whitefish coach Addy Connelly said. “She is a vocal force and works her tail off.”

Junior Brooke Zetooney is entering her third year playing at the varsity level. She leads the team at the net in kills and blocks, and Connelly said she will also provide backrow defense. Lauren Ramsey is the lone senior this season, but she has stepped into the role without missing a beat.

“Lauren Ramsey has been playing a lot of ball in the offseason really improving her all-around game,” Connelly said. “As our only senior we will be looking to her for some positive leadership.”

Also returning is junior Hailey Ells and sophomore Kaydence Blackwell who both had signifiant time on varsity last year.

Connelly says she is most excited to see these girls attack every ball. The group of girls gets along well and will grow together as a team.

“These girls are hungry to win and are working hard each day,” Connelly said. “They get along great and have spent a lot of time in the off season discussing what they want… We will grow this season as a varsity squad as we do not have a lot of experience yet.”

Last season the Lady Bulldogs finished 3-12 overall and came up just short of advancing to the divisional tournament. Though Connelly says they have a lot to build from.

“Last season we had a lot of fun…” she said. “Our motto is Work-Win-Whitefish and that is exactly what these young ladies are doing.”

Whitefish will begin its season at the Northwest-Southwest Tip-off Tournament in Hamilton on Friday and Saturday.