With the league’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year along with five front liners around six-feet or better, most would label coach Laura Cook’s squad as one of the clear favorites in the rugged Big East Conference.
“There’s expectations, but I think with this group, there’s nobody that puts more pressure on themselves than they do,” said Cook. “You can tell that having some experience combined with their competitiveness and how close they are with each other, it just brings the vibe in the gym just with their work ethic, it’s been really fun.”
The libero-setter combination of senior Isa Dau and junior Lucy O’Daniel is one of the most formidable in the state.
“They really complement each other well,” Cook said. “They set the tone. They’re similar in their hustle and how quick they are. They don’t quit on plays. They get after it. If somebody’s going out and making a hustle play, they’re going to go help them get that ball. They’re fun to watch.”
Dau, who also brings a vexing serve, was selected as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year last season after coming up with 680 digs and serving 70 aces.
Daul will be flanked by senior defensive specialist Kaitlyn Wallace who brought up 285 digs and delivered 54 aces at the service line.
Sophomores Ally Wagner and Claire Lamb as well as several six-rotation hitters will be on the back row as well. Lamb is new to the back row this year while Wagner moves up from junior varsity.
“Isa has done a really good job leading our defensive team,” added Cook. “And they have done a really good job following her lead. We’re trying to really concentrate on serve-receive and just being where we’re supposed to be.”
Junior Lucy O’Daniel had huge shoes to fill stepping in the setter role for the Lady ‘Toppers but came away with Division 1-AAA Player of the Year and Class AAA All-State honors after a spectacular sophomore season.
“Lucy took over that position and we didn’t miss a beat,” noted Cook. “It was phenomenal what she did last year.”
O’Daniel’s gaudy stat line running the Lady ‘Toppers 6-1 offense included 1,175 assists, 322 digs, 55 aces and 137 kills.
“Her volleyball IQ is really high and she’s like a little coach out there,” continued Cook. “She just gets it. She knows the way to run the offense, how to be deceptive and quick and who to set when. She’s got a really good read on that.”
It also helps to have a pair of twin towers in the middle and ample tools on the outside that includes a pair of swinging southpaws.
Senior 6-2 Bryleigh Scott put down 258 kills last season while 6-0 senior Clara McBride came through with 238.
“It’s been awesome to watch them this summer,” smiled Cook. “They’ve also stepped into leadership roles. Not only are they still getting their sets they like to run, but they’re really expanding and trying to work on their timing. They’re working on different shots. Their slides have gotten much better. Their setter-hitter connection keeps getting better.”
Both bring a strong block as well. Scott notched 61 denials at the net with McBride coming through with 36.
“They are tough to hit around,” added Cook. “They always had a good block. Tracking was kind of inconsistent at times last year.”
Chloe Conner is one of the six-rotation outsides. The 5-11 senior produced a team-best 386 kills and added 198 digs last season.
“Chloe is really steady out there,” said Cook. “She’s got a lot of shots in her arsenal. She sees the court well and she can put it where they’re not. Plus her back row attack has really come on and her serve is tough.”
Junior Lizzie Clark is a 5-9 left-hander hitter on the right side while Sofia Pavlovich is a 6-0 lefty attacking on the outside. Pavlovich put down 251 kills last season while Clark went for 182.
And yes, both could be in the rotation at the same time.
“Both are very athletic and can get that big kill when we need it,” explained Cook.
Filling back-up roles at the net are 5-9 junior Molly Royston and 5-11 sophomore Briley Streitz. Both could be a reserve at either right side or in the middle.
“This group wants to be challenged and they want to compete,” added Cook. “They genuinely enjoy playing against each other in practice. They’ve got experience, they’re competitive and they have a great connection.
The connection part is sometimes you never know if that’s going to be there for your team. This group, they really enjoy each other, whether we’re doing volleyball stuff or if we’re traveling or if we’ve been together all weekend. It’s just a really fun and talented group.”
2026 Science Hill Lady Hilltoppers Roster
1 – Kaitlyn Wallace, 5-6, SR, S/DS
2 – Ally Wagner, 5-6, SO, DS
3 – Claire Lamb, 5-5, SO, DS
5 – Isa Dau, 5-4, SR, L
7 – Chloe Conner, 5-11, SR, OH
8 – Sofia Pavlovich, 6-0, SO, OH
10 – Lucy O’Daniel, 5-6, JR, S
11 – Molly Royston 5-9, JR, MB/RS
12 – Briely Streitz, 5-11, SO, MB/RS
13 – Clara McBride, 6-0, SR, MB
15 – Lizzie Clark, 5-9, JR, RS
16 – Bryleigh Scott, 6-2, SR, MB
2026 Science Hill Lady Hilltoppers Schedule
August
17 – Greeneville, 6:00 p.m.
18 – at Elizabethton, 6:30 p.m.
20 – at David Crockett, 6:30 p.m.*
21-22 – Showdown at the Sunsphere
25 – Tennessee High, 6:30 p.m.*
27 – Daniel Boone, 6:30 p.m.*
31 – at Dobyns-Bennett, 6:30 p.m.*
September
2-6 – KSA Tournament, Orlando
8 – West Ridge, 6:30 p.m.*
10 – David Crockett, 6:30 p.m.*
12 – Rally Tournament, Atlanta
15 – at Tennessee High, 6:30 p.m.*
17 – at Daniel Boone, 6:30 p.m.*
22 – Dobyns-Bennett, 6:30 p.m.*
24 – at West Ridge, 6:30 p.m.*
26 – Rumble @ Rocky Top, Gatlinburg
28 – Elizabethton, 6:30 p.m.
October
1-8 – District 1-AAA Tournament @ David Crockett
12 – Region 1-AAA Tournament Semifinals @ District 2 Champion
13 – Region 1-AAA Tournament Championship @ TBD
15 – Class AAA Sectionals
20-23 – Class AAA State Tournament, Murfreesboro