Liberty Volleyball 9-1 in 2015

Liberty's volleyball team has been sensational in 2015, jumping out to a 9-1 start, including a 6-0 record in non-tournament games. The Lions have beaten Carroll County rivals like Manchester Valley and Century, as well as private schools like Archbishop Spalding and Bishop O'Connell. Their one loss was to the Academy of the Holy Cross.

In their past three games, Liberty has dropped just one set.

"I think all of the girls have put in a lot of work in the off season to become better players and that has led to much of the success that we have seen early on this season," head coach Michael Rainbow said. "I knew that we had the abilities to be a great team, but I think us gelling quickly has been the best surprise."

Liberty has a blend of youth and experience on the team, but they are definitely led by their four seniors- Elle Shatto, Caroline Dangel, Hannah Lyons and Kasey Bost. All four seniors are having great years and leading the team in different areas of the game, which has helped Liberty have a very balanced approach on the court. Shatto leads the team in kills with 110, while Dangel has a monstrous 233 assists. Lyons has been the team's blocks specialist with 29, while Bost has been the team's dig leader with 135.

"Some of our strengths have been the ability to be smart with the ball, and not always go for the big shot but rather the smart shot when it is available," said Rainbow. "We've been taking that mindset, and just a relentless pursuit attitude to every single time we step on the court."

Looking ahead to their next couple games, Liberty has a match with Francis Scott Key on October 1 before facing Washington County powerhouse North Hagerstown on October 5. It should be an exciting contest because North Hagerstown, like Liberty, has one loss this season.