Head Coach Tina Olyer and the FMCC volleyball squad have been preparing for the start of the 2021 season. The Lady Raiders are coming off a 9-14 record from the 2019 season.  This season, FM looks to build a new team after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coach Olyer returns Taylor Denmark and Katie LaGrange. Both are eager to be playing again this season after coming off injuries in 2019. 

The Lady Raiders will rely heavily on local newcomers; Macey Salvione, Hannah Hofman, Maddy Avery, Aireana Muhlberger, Hailee Thompson, Sadie Blowers, Krystal McSpirit, Alana Biasini, Gabby Elwood, Morgan Mraz, and Mercedes Lugo.

"All of the newcomers have played varsity level high school volleyball and ten out of the eleven played competitive club volleyball from November through May at various local area clubs. Multiple players are multi-sport athletes and bring a high level of athleticism, competitiveness, and intensity to the team. They bring experience playing against strong competition during the high school and club seasons," said Olyer.

The team has spent the last three weeks working on refining fundamental skills; communication, drive, ball control and improving as a team. "We are also working on gelling as a team with the largest number of players our program has seen. We have been experimenting with a variety of lineups as options to choose from. We feel we will be competitive with whatever lineup we put out on the court."

The Lady Raiders will compete in three pre-season scrimmages before their season kicks off on Wednesday, September 8th when they host SUNY Adirondack at 7:00 p.m.

"We expect to be competitive throughout the season. One of our main goals is to qualify for regionals this year and continue to bring the program to the next level. Most of the team have experienced success within their high school and club teams and are eager to continue that success," stated Olyer.