NTL VOLLEYBALL: SAYRE HUNGRY FOR MORE ON HEELS LAST YEAR'S DISTRICT TITLE (September 3, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
SAYRE — Even after winning the program's first-ever District 4 title, Sayre volleyball coach Colby Sangrey says his team is hungry for more in 2026.

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LAST YEAR: 12-10. District 4 champs ... lost in state quarterfinals. ...  OPENER: Sayre opens at home Thursday night against NEB.

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"We've noticed so far over the summer and in the preseason that the girls are playing with more confidence," said Sangrey. "They're hungry for more and ready to work to get to where we want to be."

The Redskins return junior Yhale Doon at setter, junior Reghan McGaughey at right-side hitter, senior Alex Schack at outside hitter, junior Grace Russo at libero, and senior Azalea McClenny at middle hitter.

Sangrey expects McClenny to play a bigger role for the Redskins this season.

"With Rylee (Lantz) graduating, Azalea (McClenny) is set to step up into her role in the middle. 

"She has big shoes to fill, but she has been really coming together as a well-rounded middle," said Sangrey.

Junior Emily Strickland and Brooklyn Roberts also return.

Freshman Mylee Medina will likely see a great deal of time at outside hitter, while freshman Ember Jones and junior Vanessa Pipher will vie for time at middle hitter, and senior Maryze Rivera will vie for time at defensive specialist.

Sangrey is looking for good things from Medina.

"Mylee Medina will be starting at outside for us this year, and we're looking forward to seeing how she develops," he said.

With everyone back on defense, Sangrey believes that will be a big strength for the Redskins.

"We're returning all of our defensive players from last year," said Sangrey. "Having that year playing with each other has helped them continue to grow defensively this year."

Sayre's only losses were on the offensive side of the ball.

"To start the season, we just have to find a rhythm on offense," said Sangrey. 

"It's tough to replace two of our offensive pieces from last year, but girls have been stepping up to the challenge to make it a smoother transition," he added.

Sangrey just wants to see his team play together in 2026.

"Our expectations are to take the season one game or practice at a time and continue to work to make ourselves better," he said. "Teamwork will be key as it was last season, and they haven't skipped a beat all throughout preseason."

AROUND DISTRICT 4 CLASS A
"With class A being small this year, anyone can step up to push their way to the top," said Sangrey. "All it takes is one year for a team to find themselves. 

"Every other team has had recent postseason success, so we'll have to outwork everyone to get to where we want to be," he added.

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IN PHOTO: Sayre Reghan McGaughey. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.

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