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PM Netters Reload Blues Expect To Be Part of Pioneer Conversation
Last season felt like a successful rebuilding year for the Parry McCluer High School volleyball team. In 2024, the Fighting Blues may have a chance to simply reload.
PM made tremendous strides on the court last fall, recovering from a 1-7 start to win its final seven regular-season games and place second in the Pioneer District with an 8-2 record. The Blues ultimately finished third in the district tournament, falling to eventual Class 1 state champion Auburn in the Region 1C quarterfinals to cap the year with a 9-10 overall mark.
PM head coach Jessie Moala must replace three All-Pioneer District athletes from the 2023 roster: first-team honoree Sydney Mahaffey, second-team pick Tatyana Turner and honorable mention selection Savannah Lewis.
But the Blues bring back alldistrict performers Kadence Zollman and Natalie Mohler. That duo headlines a group of seven returning players, most of whom saw significant action a season ago – and all of whom are aiding PM’s five newcomers as they adapt to the varsity level.
“The returners have really tried to help the newer girls,” said Moala, who’s starting her third season at the helm of the varsity program and her eighth year with the program. “We’re excited for the growth of this year’s team.”
Zollman had an impressive sophomore campaign as a sixrotation middle blocker, securing a spot on the all-district first team. Though she won’t be on the court to start the season – the junior is recovering from an injury suffered on the softball field in the spring – the Blues expect her to make an impact when she returns.
“Kadence just brings a fierceness,” Maola said. “She’s so aggressive at the net, which we really need. She’s the type of athlete who you can just tell her to do something, and she’ll do it.”
Mohler garnered a spot on the all-district second team last year, and the adaptable six-rotation senior will help spearhead the offense in the Blues’ twosetter system. The other setter is sophomore Keely Mahaffey, who made an impact during her freshman season and has benefited from a busy summer on the court. Mahaffey can also slide over and attack as a rightside hitter.
Senior Peira Conner was integral to the Blues’ turnaround in 2023. In addition to her leadership and levelheaded nature, the middle blocker made big improvements with her swing last fall.
Classmate Logan Vest is back as a defensive specialist. After learning the ropes as the Blues’ regular libero in 2023, Vest’s passing has improved through lots of practice time.
Junior Allie Cullen moves from defensive specialist to outside hitter, following an offseason growth spurt. She’ll still be involved on the back row – Cul- len is one of the Blues’ best passers – but she’ll now be counted on to contribute to the offense as well.
Sophomore Emory Slagle rounds out PM’s returning contingent and will see time at middle and outside, as the Blues look to benefit from both her versatility and positivity on the court.
PM also welcomes five new faces to the varsity roster. Freshman Josie Martinez will likely begin the season as a starting outside hitter. as the Blues try to capitalize on her athleticism and coachability.
Senior Remi Hickman joins the team after serving as the junior varsity captain in 2023. Hickman, who is scheduled to graduate early, is learning the setter position on the fly to provide some depth behind Mohler and Mahaffey.
Junior Janie Ramsey will be another option for the Blues in the middle, while sophomores Jaeyln Manning and Bryleigh Tobias – neither of whom missed a single summer workout session – are in the mix at outside.
PM also has a robust coaching staff for both high school teams. Former Brigham Young University libero Michelle Mahaffey returns as the varsity assistant coach. Jilane Pedersen, who recently graduated from Southern Virginia University after an impressive career as a middle blocker, takes over as the junior varsity head coach, while Marcie Carte is back as the assistant.
The Blues’ nondistrict schedule features the usual homeand- home series with local rival and 2023 Class 3 state quarterfinalist Rockbridge County. PM will also face Amherst County, another larger Class 3 school, twice as the Blues look to build for Pioneer play.
Within the district, Moala expects Eastern Montgomery, last year’s runner-up in the district, to provide PM’s toughest competition. Narrows was hit hard by graduation, though both the Green Wave and defending district champion Bath County have strong programs and could still contend.
But with several key weapons back and some new energy joining the team, the Blues expect to be a key part of the conversation within the league.
“I think we’re going to bring some tough competition to the Pioneer District,” Moala said.
The Blues open the season at home against RC on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Roanoke Catholic on Thursday, Aug. 29. After Labor Day, PM will play host to Nelson County on Tuesday, Sept. 3. All three nights will start with junior varsity action at 5:30 p.m.
