FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Fairhope Lady Pirates have a new head coach at the helm of their varsity volleyball team this fall.

Melissa Plash took over the program after assisting former varsity coach Jessica Webb last year with the junior varsity. Webb remains as the Lady Pirates basketball head.

“I’m excited about the challenge,” Plash said. “I have really enjoyed working with this group of girls so far and believe we have a great team. I look forward to watching the girls work together.”

Plash was a starting setter for Gulf Shores helping the Lady Dolphins and coach Wing Brett reach the Elite Eight state tournament four straight times, including a state runner-up finish in 2003. Katie Kopcho Denton, who played the defensive libero position at Fairhope for Patty Etheridge will take over the JV team.

Plash said defense will be a key factor this season.

“We are not really big so we’re going to have to play solid defense and pass the ball well. I think our strength is going to be ball control in addition to our middle attack. It is going to be vital for us to play with the same intensity every match and to play as a team. We only have 10 players so each girl is going to be contributing in some way every match.”

Five of those players are seniors: Kali Martin - Outside Hitter, Courtney Ellis – Setter, Kari Ellis - Left Back, Melissa Rew - Middle Hitter and Briege Donahue - Outside Hitter. Junior hitter/blocker Rachel Cooper is out indefinitely with an injury.

“Kali is going to be a big piece of the puzzle for us,” Plash added. “She is a smart player with a quick arm swing. Kali is a leader on the court and the team plays well around her. Courtney will also be a huge part of our success. She sees the court well and does a great job of setting the tempo for the team.”

Fairhope opens on the road Aug. 18 at Mobile Christian. The Lady Pirates’ first home match is set for Aug. 23 hosting Spanish Fort.

“Volleyball has always been a huge part of my life, and it has always been a goal of mine to coach at the varsity level,” Plash said. “I am excited about the opportunity to lead this program and to teach the girls the many things my coaches instilled within me.”