Vandalia, SEB to meet in season-opening clash

Two teams coming off historic seasons will meet in the volleyball season-opener on Thursday, with St. Elmo/Brownstown making the in-county trip to Vandalia.

Both teams, however, have a much different look about them.

After winning the school’s first regional championship since 1985 last fall, Vandalia had to say goodbye to seven seniors and rebuild the program with a class of juniors, who have seen a tremendous amount of success, with just four losses since they were seventh-graders.

But none of them have started at the varsity level, with Vandalia losing five of its six starters from last fall, including its three biggest hitters.

Still, the memories that were made by advancing to the sectional tournament remains with those who were on the varsity bench.

“The kids that were involved with that group are still thinking about it and still up with their emotions and excitement,” said coach Allison Hall. “Hopefully, that will help spark some new beginnings.

“There will be a little transition, but they play club volleyball all year long, so they play against varsity-type teams in the winter,” she said. “I think we’ll be OK.”

The first test will come at 6 p.m. against the Lady Eagles, who have gone through an even more dramatic transformation since last season.

Not only did St. Elmo lose seven seniors of its own – including three big hitters and the county’s best setter – the Lady Eagles have been joined by members of Brownstown High School in the first season of a co-op.

And any lingering excitement from last season’s run to super-sectionals have been stored away, as long-time coach Elise Asher said the team’s focus is on the current season.

“Last year has been tucked into my memory bank of nostalgia,” she said. “We have turned the page, and are moving forward to focus on this year.

“It’s been that way for a while.”

Additionally, St. Elmo has been classified as a 2A school due to the enrollment increase that came with the co-op, so starting off against a bigger school will be beneficial, Asher said.

“It’s been several years since we have played Vandalia, but it will be nice to see that big gym, since we are Class 2A this year,” she said. “We may as well just start off right in the fire.”

For the Lady Vandals, it would be a mistake to overlook the tradition of success that Asher has brought to the St. Elmo name, and Hall doesn’t expect the Lady Eagles to be an easy opponent.

“I think it’ll be a challenging game,” Hall said. “Combining St. Elmo’s success with Brownstown should create a team that can compete.”