Liberty’s volleyball team trying out a two-setter formation

Amherst isn’t the only Seminole District volleyball team experimenting with a 6-2 offense this fall after running a 5-1 in the past. Liberty, which will travel to play the Lancers in both teams’ district openers on Thursday, is giving the two-setter formation a try as well, with senior Hannah Martin and junior Kasey Bond both distributing sets from the back row.

“Both the setters were very good hitters, too,” Minettes second-year coach Bonita Roberts said. “We had two go-to hitters last year and we need a little more hitting power.”

Liberty ended last season by beating Staunton River in the Seminole District tournament and Fort Defiance in the Region III opener before losing to Turner Ashby in the second round.

“We’re ahead of where we were at this time last year,” Roberts said.

Ashton Buttram, a senior middle hitter, is leading the team in kills right now, starting ahead of Cheyenne Wood and between outside hitters Lydia Mansel and Lexi Kiely on the left and Hannah Markham, who’s running the right side.

Markham gives the Minettes an advantage as a dual threat.

“(Right-side hitters’) main goal or option is blocking,” Roberts said. “If you’ve got one who can block and attack, then you’re ahead of the game.”

Liberty also features an excellent libero in junior Callie Glover.

“She’s doing a fantastic job,” Roberts said. “She’s our primary passer, and a great defensive player, who puts the ball on target.”

The Minettes are off to an 0-3 start, including two losses to Blacksburg, heading into Tuesday’s match against Pulaski County.

“Our biggest problem has been unforced errors,” Roberts said. “Running a new offense, I’ve been pleased with our passing, is a big improvement over last year’s team.”