A popularity boom for volleyball locally has been a blessing and a curse for WCHS coach Erin Blalock. When she holds tryouts, there's no shortage of talent on hand to become Lady Pioneers. The only trouble is that she has to make to some cuts each year.

Over 30 kids showed up at Charlie Dalton Gym Friday morning in hopes of making the volleyball squad. By the end of the day, Blalock had assembled a 19-player roster she hopes can compete with the best of the best in District 9-4A this fall.

"It's never easy to make these decisions, but we're thrilled with how many kids are playing volleyball," said Blalock. "I think we have a great mix of returning players and good, young athletes adding onto the team."

Warren County will be looking to replace six contributors from last year's team this fall. Bringing up  six standouts from WCMS last year - Brynlee Chisam, Stella Dunn, Lily Hawkins, Leah Mara, Natalie Payne and Presley Winfree - should help bolster the depth. Kaydence Wiser, who had played for WCMS previously, is another new freshman on the squad.

Blalock also brings back veterans Alyssa Boyd, Abigail Brown, Hope Gilley, Makenzie Hullett, Jenna Mullins, Kassi Nuckols, Aubrey Oleksik, Hanah Ray, Samantha Saldana, Lola Wells and Ali Young. The roster also includes a new Lady Pioneer: Danica Pearson, who previously went to Prescott South.

The WCHS volleyball roster also includes managers Ansley Centracchio and Maddie Young. The team will begin summer conditioning Wednesday, May 29.