VCHS JV and freshman volleyball teams combine for 30-5-3 record
The present couldn’t be much brighter for the Vandalia varsity volleyball team.
The Lady Vandals recently set a program-record with their 23rd win – taking their first-ever outright SCC-East title in the process – and they will be favored to win their first regional title since 1985 this week at Olney.
But despite facing the loss of five senior starters next year, the varsity team’s future seems bright as well, as the Vandalia junior varsity and freshman teams recently wrapped up highly-successful seasons, combining for a 30-5-3 record.
The JV team finished its season at 17-2, with season highlights being a first-place finish at the St. Elmo freshman/sophomore tournament and at least one victory against each conference opponent.
The key to the JV Lady Vandals success was twofold: mental toughness and cohesion.
‘The mental game for the JV team is strong,’ coach Jane Bell said. ‘The gals were steady in close contests, and several players would step up at the end when extra effort was needed.
‘Many games went down to the last points, and I was pleased with how steady the players are under pressure.’
The Lady Vandals went 5-1 in three-game matches and, much like the varsity, relied on teamwork and scrappiness more than individual standouts.
‘The girls played very well together and we didn’t have any major disruptions off the court,’ Bell said. ‘With the success came opportunity for everyone to play in just about every match and that contributed to good morale during games and practices.’
Among the many contributors to the JV team’s success were juniors Calista Eyman, Dakota Kellow and Katie Vieregge.
‘Calista did a nice job leading the team as first server and setter,’ Bell said. ‘Dakota and Katie played several roles in JV and varsity, and they were willing to play wherever they were needed as outside hitters.’
Holly Goldsmith, Amy Walton, Whitney Schaal, Ellie Ehrat, Micah Dugan, Casey Warner and Megan Shreve are part of a deep and talented sophomore class.
‘Holly was often our ‘go-to’ hitter, and she improved throughout the season in her willingness and ability to take on that role,’ Bell said. ‘As a libero, Amy moves on the court better than anyone, and she will be a key player next year.
‘Whitney and Megan provided consistent play, which is key in winning seasons.’
Haley Wollerman and Hannah Edwards contributed at the JV level as freshmen.
‘Wollerman is a tough competitor who hates to lose and loves a tough challenge,’ Bell said. ‘In her last game for the JV, she served five in a row at Staunton to seal the win. Hannah will also be a hitter to watch.’
Wollerman and Edwards are part of a small, but talented, freshman contingent that includes Katie Cole, Alex Henna, Chelsey Stewart and Kelly Booker.
‘We only had six freshman,’ Bell said, ‘and I thought that would be a problem to not have any substitutes. But the gals realized they all needed to contribute every play, every game, and they did.’
Bell said that though player development is the primary objective at the JV and freshman levels, the high number of victories compiled by both teams were a pleasant surprise – even though they didn’t happen by accident.
‘The wins came because the girls executed the skills well together. I can’t say enough about their team cohesion,’ Bell said. ‘They love to play volleyball and they love to play with each other.’
In time, Bell expects those qualities to translate into success at the varsity level.
‘I would anticipate more bumps in the road early in the season next year as the players adjust to the tougher competition,’ Bell said. ‘Butm expect a strong showing after they become accustomed to the level of play. The team has gotten used to winning this season, and they expect to win in the future.’
