Since the gain of a new coach, the volleyball team has been working on improving throughout the season and bonding as a team.

  Though the team’s varsity squad is 3-13-1, they have been trying hard to be better about the fundamentals of the game as they strive to improve on their 1-24 record in the 2014 season.

  So far, the team has defeated Lincoln in three sets, and most recently, Richmond in two sets on September 6.

  “We worked more as team during those games. We need to not get down on ourselves as much,” junior Makayla Mais said.

  “They have improved on the fundamentals and they are passing consistently,” coach Shelly Hodges said. Hodges sees the team as part of her family.

  With the new creation of the pep club, “Wildcat Nation,” many of the volleyball girls find inspiration from the crowd.

  “The crowd still cheers even if we are down,” sophomore Ashton Adams said.

   Even with 13 losses this season, hard work and determination is the main focus for the girls.

  “We need to pick each other up when we are down, like a family,” said junior Rebecca Letcher. This is Letcher’s first year on the volleyball team.

  Athletes have set personal goals for improving their game this season.

  “I want to improve on hitting straight down,” Goetz said.  Goetz is one of two seniors on the team.

  “I want to improve on my passing and hitting,” said sophomore Brooke Jelinek.

  In addition to personal improvements being set, the team as a whole has goals of their own. They plan on improving their hitting, passing and talking.

  Along with the varsity this season, the JV team aims to improve their game. With the record 4-6-3, they look forward to helping the varsity in future years.

  “We are really improved and could be working more as a team,” freshman Abby Foster said.

  Goals have been set and improvements are being made as the team strides for success later in the season.