5 Sumner volleyball storylines to watch this season

Last year, Station Camp and Portland were two of the better volleyball teams around, but only one of them could reach the region tournament. 

With Portland moving to Class AA, both the Lady Bison and Lady Panthers could make deep October runs this year. 

With great back-row performers, setters and at-the-net presences, the Sumner volleyball scene should be fun to watch. 

Here are five things to know about the season.

1. Portland's dynamic duo 
Marlayna Bullington and Lexi Wakefield are back. That's great news for Portland. 

Bullington and Wakefield were named the Sumner County co-Players of the Year, and they're part of the reason the Lady Panthers should be good again. 

The two helped the Lady Panthers reach a sectional last year. Bullington had 564 kills and 448 digs as a sophomore, while Wakefield steadying presence helped the Lady Panthers win 18 of their last 22 matches. 

2. Panthers take a step down 
In some ways, Portland goes from being the hunter to being the hunted. That's because of TSSAA reclassification. 

Portland is now in Class AA and will share a district with White House, White House Heritage, Springfield and Greenbrier. 

"We have five seniors and have a good nucleus," coach Rob Lesemann said. "In the past, we've always gone against bigger schools, and we'll be in a different role." 

3. Bison have high hopes 
Station Camp figures to be very solid again. The Lady Bison were 11-3 in District 9-AAA last year before losing to Portland in a district semifinal. 

The team is led by McKenna Killeen and Maddie Lyons. 

"I have high expectations for this team," coach Molly Yarbrough said. "We were successful in the preseason and are excited about this regular season." 

4. JPII replaces star 
Alayna Maslinski was a centerpiece for Pope John Paul II. The setter/outside hitter graduated and is now at Wichita State. 

PJP will turn to senior libero Gracey King and junior middle hitter Alison Gerstner to help the set the tone. The two were all-county players last year. 

"(We are going) to rebuild around a strong core of returning players along with a large group of newcomers," coach Kim Shaver said. 

5. HCA tries to return to region 
Hendersonville Christian made history last year, advancing to the region tournament in Division II-A for the first time.

The Lady Crusdaers are led by Kendall Smith, who has only played for three years but has caught on quickly. 

"I am looking forward to seeing this group become more aggressive on the court and see the potential that they have as one unit," HCA coach Mindy Pergl said. 

Players to watch 
 

Marlayna Bullington, Portland. Just a junior, the co-county Player of the Year already in her third year starting for the Lady Panthers. 
Chloe Carter, Westmoreland. Senior setter has helped Westmoreland become a more fundamentally sound team. 
Graclelyn Carvacho, Station Camp. Sophomore newcomer is an outside hitter who will be a force for Lady Bison. 
Kailey Clark, Beech. Along with classmate Elizabeth Epley, energetic senior leads Lady Bucs in the middle. 
Katie Crutchfield, Portland. A sophomore outside hitter, she keeps getting better and better and is becoming a great all-around asset. 
Allison Gerstner, Pope John Paul II. A junior middle hitter will be a key for the Lady Knights this season. 
Maddie Lyons, Station Camp. Lyons has moved to the right side after playing on the outside. That versatility will help. 
Rachel Jennings, Portland. A senior, she can get to the ball anywhere it is on the court. 
Makyla Johns, Hendersonville. Led the Lady Commandos in blocks last year and was second in kills. 
McKenna Killeen, Station Camp. Senior middle hitter is one of the key reasons the Lady Bison have high expectations. 
Gracey King, Pope John Paul II.  Along with her teammate Gertsner, senior libero was named to the all-county team last year. 
Chloee McDaniel, Beech. As a senior outside hitter/setter, she is the team leader because of her knowledge and power. 
Dylan Mott, Hendersonville. Daughter of Austin Peay coach named to all-district team as a freshman, leadingteam in kills,aces and digs. 
Kendall Smith, HCA. Senior middle hitter sparks the Lady Crusaders through her leadership and her hitting and blocking. 
Lexi Wakefield, Portland. The senior libero, the co-county Player of the Year is a settling influence on the back row.