Volleyball season looks different because of COVID-19, but Dalton’s goals are same

By ARIEL STAHLER
Gazette & News sports writer

This season will look different for Dalton High School’s varsity volleyball team, but their goals still remain the same.

“We would like to win the league and to go farther in the tournament than last year, where we got to the regional final game,” said head coach Allison Hostetler.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the team has taken new safety precautions such as the players taking their temperatures prior to coming to practice and once again when they get to the gym, sanitizing the balls during water breaks and having the players use hand sanitizer, bringing their own water bottles and standing on designated spots during breaks to ensure social distancing. The coaching staff wears masks at all times and the players wear them right up to the start of practice.

According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, there have been some modifications to the rules. Teams will not switch benches and courts between sets unless there is an event with a clear and distinct disadvantage to not switching. Handshakes and fist bumps before and after matches have been eliminated. Players should have their own personal equipment and refrain from sharing with others.

Hostetler said fans haven’t been allowed at scrimmages, but they are hoping things will change by the start of the season. They are waiting for the governor to release information soon about fans.

Hostetler said her team made some adjustments, but they are getting ready like they always have.

Read the complete story in the Aug. 19, 2020 edition.