By: Macy Baker - CHS Journalism
The Crofton Warrior volleyball team only brings back two varsity players with game experience after graduating five starters.
Head Coach Lisa Eilers is back for her second season and is ready to keep the girls competitive.
“Our team goals are seeing a successful varsity squad compete at high levels and getting younger players some experience,” Eilers stated. The biggest challenge for the Warriors this year will be inexperience.
After a devastating 3-2 loss to Johnson-Brock in the district final for Class C-2, the Warriors graduated five starters that played big roles in Crofton’s gameplay. “Senior Jaisie Janssen and senior Addyson Ostermeyer have the most experience for varsity, and they will be great leaders for us,” Eilers remarked.
The Warriors are bringing in 11 freshmen this year. “The underclassmen really stepped up; they are working hard, learning everything, and keeping their heads up,” Ostermeyer said. The team has spent a lot of time together this summer between open gyms and camps. “I think we definitely have fun and have developed good chemistry over the summer,” senior Karoline Schendt stated. Janssen feels the team's personality has felt positive and up-lifting to one another; she thinks it “has made the preseason fun and exciting.”
Eilers agrees that the team seems to be having fun, staying competitive, and working together. She stated, “Once we start competing against other teams is when we will see who can shake off mistakes and have a next-play mentality.”
Crofton has a challenging schedule this year, with games against competitive teams like rival Hartington Cedar-Catholic. “It’s always a fun and competitive game,” Janssen said. Senior Tyler Cooper is also looking forward to a very competitive match against the Pierce Bluejays.
The Crofton Warrior volleyball team will commence their season on Thursday, August 28 against Hartington Newcastle at home at 7:30 p.m.