Falcons Volleyball Hopeful Of Turning Corner

The last few years of Severna Park volleyball have been ones of growth, gaining experience, and taking some lumps.

After the first five matches of 2025, it feels like the Falcons are almost ready to start handing some of those out themselves.

Following a difficult opening run to the season, Severna Park has put together three straight impressive performances to sit at a deceptive 2-3. They were swept by Annapolis Area Christian School and lost in four sets to Severn Run to start the season, before battling to a thrilling five-set loss to Broadneck.

As Severna Park coach Caitlin Mills walked off the court that day, there was nothing but pride in the effort despite not quite getting across the finish line.

“The goal for us at this stage of the season is just to get better each game at three things, and that’s all the focus is on,” Mills said. “The fact we went to five with an incredible team that’s really, really good … props to them, but we did what we needed to do, and that was fun to see.”

That incremental improvement looks to be paying dividends already. The Falcons breezed past both South River and Annapolis to get their first wins of the season.

Severna Park is leaning on a mix of the tried-and-true and new, fresh talent. Outside hitter Lizzie Ranaghan remains one of the steadier hitters in the area, hovering around double figures in kills and nearing .200 in hitting percentage. She’s been helped by freshman Hannah McKinstry, who has come on and chipped in nine kills against Annapolis.

Senior setter Genevieve Willis leads the team in hitting efficiency while also dishing out nearly 20 assists per match. Stella Kiddney anchors the middle, and Jennifer Hong has held the libero position and steadied the defense.

Despite a relative lack of height, the Falcons are working their way toward creativity on offense and a system designed to suit their strengths. Keeping opposing teams off balance will go a long way to their long-term success.

With more tests coming, like Arundel on October 7, there are ample opportunities to show how far they’ve come.

“I knew we were going to start the season with really tough games, but I’m glad for it because our confidence is high after playing through that,” Mills said.

Regardless of record and outcome, they have already garnered attention. In the words of one rival coach: “They’re good … should watch out for them in the playoffs.”