Young Cane Bay volleyball team building for future

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Summerville – A strong and firm foundation must be established before a castle can be built. The same concept goes for building a high school sports program.

Sometimes you have to take a few lumps early in the process but through hard work and dedication, success can be achieved.

Cane Bay volleyball coach Chris Latigona ha assembled a 2024 roster that he feels will develop into a legitimate power, but it will take a little time. Nonetheless, the coach has a young team this fall and he has put the team through a difficult non-region slate of games against high level teams.

“Although our overall record (5-14) doesn’t reflect, we have played some good volleyball. Coming up short to tough opponents,” the coach said. “We have a young team with only two seniors this year. My young team is learning to build resilience and have battled through several key injuries and sicknesses this year. We are currently 3-3 in region play and look to make a strong push for a playoff spot this year.”

Three early region wins will do a lot for the goal of making the state playoffs. Cane Bay has two region losses to perennial power Wando and another to state title contender Lucy Beckham.

The two seniors in the lineup are captains Caroline Combs (outside hitter) and Elli Robertson (libero). While their overall leadership is a key strength, the team’s best player is sophomore right side hitter Rylie Friar, who leads the team in kills and blocks while boasting the top kill percentage on the team.

Sophomore Marley Stephens is the starting setter, along with junior Ellie Karan, who also sets. Juniors Zye Bryant and Mariah Bryant are the key performers in the middle of the net.

Junior Brooke Bartlett is a key sub as a defensive specialist.

“Our team strength is our scrappy defense,” Latigona said. “We are building something special with these young players, although we have our moments due to our experience levels.

“We are excited to see how our young players, Rylie Friar, Marley Stephens and Ellie Karan progress the rest of the year and into the following season.”