Powhatan Head Volleyball Coach Clark Menger says the key to winning at the high school level isn’t always about stats and percentages. For him, it’s about seniors.

“I’ve always said seniors make or break your program,” said Menger Monday, the day after his team stretched their winning streak to 14 games with a win over Monacan.

Not only do his experienced players pack a punch on the court, but they also provided a solid, consistent level of leadership for the up-and-comers.

“My seniors treat the younger players with the upmost respect, and that’s key,” said Menger. If the young players feel intimidated, “you are never going to get those incredible performances from them.”

The seniors Menger speaks of — Dana Hinden, Kaitlyn Wright and Karley Kranich — have been key players in what has been a spectacular season for the Lady Indians.

Hinden “is the face of our program,” says Menger. The 5’11 middle front player has also brought an increased intensity level to the court, as well as 71 kills on the season.

Kranich, a jump server who boasts a 92 percent serve ratio, is the detail-oriented organizer who keeps the team focused, said Menger.

Wright, a versatile outside hitter with 96 kills on the season, “has provided a consistent rhythm from day one” said Menger.

The three girls, also the team’s captains, now stand ready to lead the program into what has traditionally been a tricky part of the season.

While the program has won the district 15 out of the last 16 years, and was just a win away Monday from sealing it again, the regional title has been elusive.

Last year they finished 20-3, won the district tournament and lost to Jamestown in three games in the regional quarterfinals. The year before that they also won the district but lost in the regionalquarterfinals to Chancellor.

That said, Menger remains hopeful that the girls have what it takes this year.

Aiding in the effort will be a handful of younger players, including high-voltage freshman setter Krystal Marshall, who has racked up 451 assists so far this season. She also has only 12 errors,

Also sure to contribute is junior Brianna Barton, who Menger says has been “amazing” at libero, a position she volunteered to play this year. Barton has 131 digs, and only 19 errors on 170 jump serves.

Junior Kristen Myers (who leads the team in kills with 138 in 16 matches), and sophomore Kasey Ogle, (94 percent serve to error ratio) will both continue to be a powerful presence on the court at defensive specialist, as will and Danielle Hawkins a defensive specialist, one of the MVPs of last year’s jv squad.

Brooke Strathy and Maitlin Ware, who were injured early in the season, have also returned and are contributing once again.

And then there’s sophomore Kayla Crawford, who is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the team’s hardest hitters.

“We have a saying on the team: Kayla hurts,” says Menger. ”She hits the ball so hard, routinely, that people can’t [hit it or] get out of the way.”

Crawford is second on the team in kills with 114 on the season.

Menger says he attributes his team’s success so far this season to the hours of work they put in during the office season, including hitting the weight room and playing volleyball on area club teams.

As for what lies ahead, he says his girls are up to the challenge.

The team will take on Park View on the road tomorrow night and return home to face Prince Edward on Oct. 21.

They will wrap up the regular season against Brunswick at Brunswick Oct. 23.

All games start at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Powhatan High School at (804) 598-5710.