The volleyball team had a competitive season. They fought each game with a regular season record of 10-13-1. In the postseason they made it through the first round of districts against California, winning 3-2 and were slated to play Eldon in the second round on Oct. 24. As their season neared its end, they reflected on their time and how they challenged themselves daily with new experiences.
“We have a lot of hustle and strive to be better,” sophomore Lillianna Perez said. Lillianna played as a defensive specialist on JV this season.
This year, the volleyball team has had a change for the better. Not only have they experienced more wins, they have grown to be a better team. The ladycats biggest win this season would be versus the Clinton Cardinals. They learned to adjust with a loss of multiple teammates due to a sickness. The team took the win 3-2 on September 19.
“I think our season is doing good this year compared to the years before. This group of girls just feels like it clicks better than before,” junior setter Kaleby Stevenson said.
Going to districts, the team worked on a variety of drills to advance. Drills used at practice helped players’ progression in their sport.
“My favorite drill to do is Queen of the Court because it teaches me how to work in different groups and be active in different positions,” freshman setter Mylei Oliver said.
They enhance their playing strategies by practicing on little things that they might struggle with. “One of the things that we work on most is serve-receive and defense work,” sophomore Madyson Reimund said.
As each player gets through a match, they seek motivation from other teammates and their coaches to be the best they can be.
“I feel like I always give positive support with speeches, fist bumps, eye contact, and naming good things they do on the court,” head coach Kelsi Brosnahan said.
Teammates give out encouragement by supporting each other and being excited for each game.
“Every time someone gets a kill, block, or a great pass, I always hype them up and just be excited for my teammate,” Stevenson said.
Senior Haylee Cobb celebrated her last season home game on Oct. 21 at senior night.
“Something I have learned through volleyball is definitely that there’s no time to sit and worry about a play because the next one is already coming,” Cobb said. She has been a help to her colleagues to navigate them through the season.
Cobb stated that her last season has shown her that when she plays with all her teammates around her, it is very rewarding and fun. Seniors play a role in setting an example on the team.
The volleyball team set different goals for themselves to carry out a great season. One of those goals was to go beyond the first round of district play.
“My goal this season is to make it past the second round of districts,” junior Hailey Ferguson said.
Freshmen coming in have made an impact for the Ladycats. Freshman Julianne Kilgore has gotten the opportunity to experience life on varsity.
“It is a great experience and learning chance for me. I have taken a lot of knowledge out of playing on varsity,” Kilgore said. She plays as a defensive specialist.
