By Ken Hamwey

Staff Sports Writer

Kristen Geuss completed her first decade as coach of the King Philip girls volleyball team last fall and she finished with a perfect 10: that’s 10 tournament berths in 10 years. 

Can fans of Warrior volleyball expect more of the same this season as the Warriors battle against a plethora of formidable teams in the Hockomock League? Geuss certainly hopes so.

“We want to have a strong presence in the league, qualify for the playoffs and advance as far as possible,’’ said Geuss, whose squad finished 12-8 overall last year and lost in the tourney’s first round to Boston Latin School. “My goals are realistic as long as we take one match at a time, shore up any weaknesses and capitalize on our strengths.’’

KP’s current edition has some admirable strengths, which no doubt will fully surface as the season moves along. In the early going, however, the Warriors faced some powerhouse teams and were 2-3, losing to Franklin, Oliver Ames and Bishop Feehan.

“We’ve got six returnees with experience and we’ve got depth, a high volleyball IQ and athleticism,’’ Geuss emphasized. “The girls are very coachable and their work ethic is strong.’’

KP’s style is another reason why its sub-.500 start is a bit deceiving. They’re aggressive and scrappy. “We’ve also got an experienced front row, our serving is strong and our back-row defense is solid,’’ Geuss added.

Senior leadership is always a plus and the Warriors’ captains personify that trait. They include Madison Asprelli (setter), Fiona Cailey (outside hitter) and Tamanda Clarke (middle hitter).

“They all lead by example and by being communicative and supportive,’’ Geuss said. “They lead both on and off the court. Madison runs the offense, has strong instincts and sets the ball to the right hitters. Fiona is powerful, hits cross-court and down the line. She’s also an effective server. Tamanda is a great blocker and she double blocks with the right side.’’

Senior Alex Pauline is a key contributor in her role as libero. “Alex takes control of the back row,’’ Geuss said. “Scrappy and aggressive, she’s in the right place at the right time.’’

Another senior, Avery Reda, is a very capable middle hitter. “Avery is strong in the middle, has improved a lot and has an effective blocking style,’’ Geuss noted.

Two other seniors bear watching — outside hitter Jessica Hansen and right-side hitter Anna Vinson. “Both have a strong presence at the net and will be contributing as the season moves along,’’ Geuss said.

Junior Cece Kilroy is a versatile competitor, able to play as a setter or a right-side hitter. “Cece is an experienced returnee and we expect her to score points,’’ Geuss offered. Another junior — Cece Mullen — provides more depth at the setter slot. “She covers the court well, serves effectively, and is athletic and instinctive,’’ Geuss added.

Junior hitters Shayne Dugan (outside) and Alli Cleasby (right side) round out a group of strong front-row players. “They’ll be ready to contribute when called upon,’’ Geuss said.

Juniors Caleigh Shore and Mya McCormick will handle the duties of defensive specialists. “They’re solid and will anchor our defense,’’ Geuss said. “They see the court well.’’

Sophomore Amie O’Neil is an up-and-coming middle hitter. “Amie shows potential in her hitting and blocking ability,’’ Geuss said. “Each day she takes steps to improve.’’

Assisting Geuss will be Haley Dennis, the junior-varsity coach, and Cam Corey, who’s taken the reins of the freshman squad. “Both are very supportive, helpful and knowledgeable,’’ she noted.

Geuss’ athletic philosophy focuses on improving daily, making sure her players reach their potential and develop their skills. “Life lessons my players can learn from volleyball are how to work as a team, how to set goals, how to be leaders and how to overcome adversity and become resilient,’’ she emphasized. “I also want our players to set good examples and be quality people on and off the court.’’

Last year, KP finished with a 12-4 record in the league’s Kelly-Rex Division. And, although Geuss didn’t mention the division title as part of her goals this year, she firmly believes her squad will be in the mix of that pennant race. “Franklin and Oliver Ames are traditionally strong,’’ she said, “and we hope to be a contender, too.’’

KP isn’t far removed from its best season during Geuss’ tenure at the helm. In 2022 the Warriors completed their regular season with an 18-2 record, advanced to the state final where they lost to Westboro and ended that campaign with a 22-3 record.

The coach isn’t sure where or how her current contingent will finish this season but it seems likely that KP will be in the playoffs for the 11th straight time.