Contributing writer
Although the Goessel Bluebirds will be without any seniors on this year’s volleyball team, they will have valuable experience in several players.
Junior Erin Brubaker will return from the Wheat State League Championship Team of 2012 as a hitter along the front row. Brubaker registered 100 kills last year and 38 serving aces in 80 games.
Sophomore Page Hiebert brings strength to the hitting position and sophomore Alicen Meysing will also be used along the net for hitting and blocking responsibilities. Hiebert scored 236 kills and 47 serving aces on last year’s team. Meysing also played in all 80 games last season and recorded 29 kills and 17 solo blocks.
In 2012, the Bluebirds had a record of 29-10 and worked their way into the finals of sub-state before being eliminated in the post-season tournament.
Players that saw limited time last year, but anchored a successful junior varsity season, are expected to contribute to the success of this year’s team. Makayla King will likely assume the role of libero, or defensive specialist. Gentry Thiesen will contribute as hitter and Alyssa Booton is the likely candidate for starting setter.
“There will be a lot of new faces this year,” head Coach Crysta Guhr said about the varsity. “The bulk of playing time will come from younger classmen who are eager to make their own mark in league play and beyond.”
Along with the competitive league play will be tough matches with Sedgwick, Halstead, Olpe and Hillsboro.
“We competed well during the summer, even against larger schools,” said Brubaker. “We found good team chemistry during the summer,” Meysing said.
“To be the Wheat State League champions again this year is one of our team goals,” Hiebert said.
Goessel’s season begins Sept. 3 at Elyria Christian in a non-league contest with Ell-Saline. Wheat State League competition begins Sept. 10 at Elyria Christian with Centre. The first home meet for the Bluebirds will be the Goessel Invitational Tournament on Sept. 14 with a total of eight schools.