With an impressive beginning of a 9-4 record this year, the girls’ varsity volleyball team has a promising future this season.
The team, led by senior captains Natalie Guggenberger, Megan Beacom, and Erin Sherman, has found good chemistry. “We have so much fun being together and really get along for the most part,” said junior Courtney Clark.
They have come out victorious against very competitive teams such as Chisago Lakes, Fridley, and Irondale. Their team, made up of eleven athletes ranging from sophomores to seniors, has proven to be one of the most talented teams in their conference. “There is a big variety of players and a lot of talent on the team, so I’m really excited for this year,” said Guggenberger.
Their two hour practices, three days a week are clearly paying off. With many more matches to go, the girls’ sights are still set on the conference championship. However, due to the lack of good competition in their conference, the girls look forward to games such as their match against St. Louis Park [during homecoming week], Totino-Grace and Armstrong High School.
The team hasn’t gone through a big change this year; “We only lost two seniors last year, and while they were good and we miss them, we can be even stronger,” said Guggenberger. With a whopping seven seniors on the varsity team this year, their experience and expertise are leading them to the top.
In the eyes of the players, their most interesting game was on September 16 against Minneapolis Southwest. The match was so close that the first two games were lost by only a couple of points. Lindsay Hendrickson, a sophomore moved up from JV for the third game, had an amazing game. Erin Sherman returned to her familiar position due to the comeback of formerly injured senior Natalie Guggenberger, who is the team’s only setter. Although this game was a loss, it was incredibly close and the girls fought really hard the whole time.
With high expectations, the girls are excited to keep going this season, ready to face some tough competition, and hope to take the title of conference champions. The team is strong both on and off the court, and as Clark said, “our team has really learned to fight for what we want.”
