Red Devils ready to compete

Richmond enters the 2012 volleyball season hungry and aiming for improvement.

The Red Devils are also seeking to set the table for the program’s future.

First-year head coach Matt Fisher will lead the Devils, but he’s no stranger to them, having previously served as an assistant coach.

“They are just not satisfied with the way they played last year,” Fisher said. “A lot of times, we just didn’t play up to our ability. We’re working on the fundamentals in practice, working on a lot of ball control.”

Fisher takes over as head coach for Anne Wissel. Wissel has returned to the playing court and will be a member of Indiana University East’s volleyball team this season.

Six seniors — Hannah Ball, Kaitlyn Helms, Sommer Lewis, Brooklyn Taylor, Hunter Thomas and Kiana Claiborne — will lead Richmond.

“It’s nice to have some players back,” Fisher said. “More than anything, it’s nice that they are all extremely hungry and really looking to start something.

“We came in with this class (as coaches) and we’re just looking to finish what we started with this class and build for the future.”

Other expected contributors include Bri Flood, Sydney Townsend, Peyton Claiborne, Tabi Smith, Shelby Miller, Chloe Bennett and Hannah Foley.

RHS finished 10-22 last season and advanced to the final of the Class 4A sectional at New Castle.

Fisher is looking to see aggressive serving and consistent passing.

“We’re going to be well-rounded,” he said. “Everybody can contribute on the offense, especially on hitting.

“ ... We’re just really excited to continue working with them. We have a lot of growth we have to do between now and the first game. I think everybody has the right attitude.”

Richmond opens Monday at Tiernan Center against Pendleton Heights.

The Red Devils also play Aug. 18 in the Kokomo Invitational before traveling Aug. 20 to Delta.

Richmond’s first North Central Conference match is a Sept. 15 road trip to face Kokomo and Huntington North.

“Muncie (Central) and New Castle bring it every year and this year is no different,” Fisher said. “We want to compete with every team that is out there and take them to as many games as we can and change those outcomes that we left out there last year.

“ ... It’s important that we take a stand against those teams and compete against everybody.”

Sports editor Josh Chapin: (765) 973-4463