Continued improvement is the goal for Freedom’s volleyball team heading into the fall.

The Patriots are coming off a 9-3 season a year ago and return enough experience to make a push toward a league and district playoff run.

The only question is how far can they go?

“We return four experienced and talented seniors who we will be relying on to lead the team both offensively and defensively,” said veteran head coach Donna Roman. “With the loss of two 6-rotation players, Avery Lynn and Brenna Ortwein, these current seniors will each step into a larger role on the team. We look forward to competing in the extremely talented Steel Division and taking on cross-city rivals Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic. We’re not the tallest team, but we will be relying on our defense and aggressive serving to set our pace this season.”

Returning players for the Patriots include Alaina Roman (OH, senior); Samantha Simmers (S, senior); Elizabeth Barnes (OH, senior) and Grace Hercik (MH, senior).

Newcomers include Taylor Pavolko (DS/L, junior); Sophia Tyma (MH, soph); Samantha Mikulski (DS/L, soph) and Jizel Veneracion (DS/L, soph).

Roman comes back with most of the accolades this season, as she was All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area player, who was also recognized for Under Armour All-American Selection Camp this summer. She was also named a 2021 AAU Volleyball Academic All-American. She is one of four players in the Lehigh Valley selected for this honor.

Simmer is an All-Area player, who was also recognized for Under Armour All-American Selection Camp this summer. She has already reached the 1,000 assist mark in her high school career. A Stevenson University commit, she brings a wealth of talent to the setter position and we will be relying on her court presence and ability to get the ball to our top hitters.

Barnes is new to the outside hitter position and we will be gaining a lot of offense from Liz on the outside. Hercik returns to the middle hitter position but will have the added responsibility of playing 6 rotations.

“Our team goals are focused on team growth throughout the season, leading to winning the Steel Division,” said Roman of team goals. “The defending state champs, Bethlehem Catholic, will be the toughest challenge in the Steel Division, and we are gearing up to challenge this talented group. Lastly, we have the goal of getting farther in the playoffs then Freedom has in the past.”