By Brice Burge The Superior Central volleyball team looks to be one of the stronger small school volleyball teams in the central Upper Peninsula this year, with Head Coach Kris Bray already confident in the Cougars.

“We’re very young but look to be pretty good. I’m excited for what I’ve seen so far,” Bray said. “We’ve got some strong hitters and everybody is skilled in their positions.”

Unlike last year’s seniorladen team, the Cougars have just Alice Hancock as the lone elder statesman.

The outside hitter will also be captain of this year’s squad that includes four juniors, two sophomores and an eighth grader.

Superior Central will run a 5-1 offense with Ruth Johnson as the setter.

She’ll have Hancock and all-SCC member Riley Johnson to provide veteran options on the outside. At middle hitter will be two taller call ups to the varsity squad in Calla Porter and Kate McGee, so the Cougars will be able to attack from all angles.

“I feel like we have a strong hitting team all the way around,” Bray said.

“We’re very good with our offense and net play. We have some height and those not as tall have great verticals.”

The height will also translate to the defensive side of the ball, according to Bray. “I’m confident with the defense because we have that height. It will be hard to get the ball down (against us),” she said.

The Cougars will be expected to compete for the MHSAA District 99 title, which includes Munising, Northern Lights League defending champions Big Bay de Noc and last year’s District 100 champions Mid Pen. Rapid River and Ishpeming round out the six-team district tournament, which will be hosted by Superior Central the last week of October.