Manning with some of the senior class on WTLS (from left): Jenna Manning, Haley Baker, Marlee Stewart, Brooke Royster.

Volleyball season gets underway Thursday

By Michael Butler

Tallassee's matchup vs. Reeltown is drawing a lot of attention, but the Tigers football team is not the only squad opening its season on Aug. 18. The Tallassee volleyball team also opens its season on Thursday.

The netters play a tri-match at Alabama Christian against ACA and Saint James.

"We have the first two matches," head coach Jill Manning said. "We only have one of our players who is on the dance team that it interferes with, so we're going to try and get back quickly so we can come and support the football team."

Play begins at 4:30, so it is likely that the girls will be back in town prior to the 7 p.m. football kickoff.

Marlee Stewart at the net during a match with Stanhope Elmore in Tallassee last season. Photo by Kyle Thornton

This will be Manning's first year as head coach, although she has been with the program for six years. Manning worked with Beth Haynes last year. Haynes will head up the JV squad this season. Pat Love is coaching the middle schoolers.

"I'm pretty excited," Manning said. "I feel like I've known this group since they were little."

Seven seniors have graduated from last year's team. There are six seniors on the 2022 unit, among them is Jenna Manning, the coach's daughter.

"It's kind of special to me," the coach added. "I played softball and volleyball in high school. The fact that my daughter loves both of those means a lot to me."

Tallassee has a new look in the area this year with opponents Marbury, Holtville and neighboring Elmore County, who will be the first home opponent on Sept. 1.

"I have high hopes for this team," senior Marlee Stewart said.

Coach Manning agrees.

"We're hopeful we can make it out of area," she said. "We've not gone to state since I've been it it. We've got some strong girls this year. I think we can get the job done."