By TIM TAYLORTioga County Sports Report
OWEGO — Owego has been one of those volleyball programs that seems to reload rather than rebuild. Having graduated 10 players from last year’s state semifinalist team will test just what Owego has in its arsenal in 2025.
The River Hawks won 10 Section IV championships in a row before losing in 2022 to Maine-Endwell. That streak also included three state titles and a pair of state runner-up efforts. There was no postseason in the 2020-21 season due to COVID-19, but Owego regrouped to win sectionals in 2023 and 2024, advancing to the state semifinals last year.
Owego’s run of STAC titles is impressive as well — 10 since 2011.
The big graduation hits were all-state setter Lexi Herceg and Logan Georgia, who were STAC Central-East All-Conference all-stars, and STAC Central All-Division picks Shannon Maslin, Kayla Newman and Michaela Terry.
Leading the returning group is all-state and all-conference outside hitter Maggie Hamed, a senior who is one of the most dominant players in Section IV in several years.
The River Hawks went 19-0 last season before stumbling in the state semis.
Among the team’s six returning seniors is Bella Miller who is a three-year veteran.
One player whom Manning hopes can make an impact is freshman Braelea McLaren, who will play outside hitter and right side.
10 seniors lost to graduation last year
Manning, now in her fourth season in charge, will go for her 50th career win when Owego visits Susquehanna Valley Thursday evening. 2025 roster
1 Maggie Hamed, senior
2 Alyssa Harrington, junior
3 Gracie Zimmer, junior
4 Emily Bennett, junior
5 Kylie Craven, junior
6 Bella Miller, senior
7 Keely Wicklund, senior
8 Natalie Morris, senior
9 Evelyn Howe, senior
10 Ava McKeon, sophomore
11 Braelea McLaren, freshman 12/16 Peyton Coolbaugh, senior
13 Mikaela Nichols, junior
14 Taylor Talbut, sophomore
15 Macey Shaw, sophomore
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IN PHOTO 1: All-state outside hitter Maggie Hamed. IN TOP PHOTO: Despite numerous graduation losses from the 2024 team (pictured), Owego is ready to go after its 12th Section IV championship since 2011. … STOCK PHOTOS.
