Contributing writer
The Goessel High School volleyball team will attempt to match the success of last year with four seniors playing their final season on the court.
Tia Goertzen will attack as outside hitter using her 5-foot, 6-inch height to hit winners from the left side. Alex Hiebert, a 5-10 senior, will be a middle hitter and block against opponents best hitters. Jessica Harvey, Goessel’s 5-5 setter brings experience from several years of setting to teammates. Johanna Hoffman will be a defensive specialist, playing the back row and contributing at the serving position.
The Bluebirds have no juniors, so it is expected that Erin Brubaker, a 5-8 sophomore, will play a significant role on this year’s team. Freshmen Page Hiebert and Alicen Meysing are expected to contribute to the success of this year’s team.
“There are a lot of good freshman and sophomores, and we may not have to do as much leading as we expected,” Alex Hiebert said.
“We had a really good summer league,” agreed Harvey.
“The team chemistry with the younger players is very good,” Hoffman said.
Last year the Bluebirds went undefeated in Wheat State League matches and won their sub-state tournament last year in 1A Division I. Goertzen has fond memories of the sub-state finals.
“It was really great to win that last game at sub-state, because you knew that was the win that would send you to state,” she said.
At state, Goessel lost three matches, taking one of those matches to three sets. This group of seniors has been to the state tournament twice. The Bluebirds finished the 2011 season with a 29-13 record.
Crysta Guhr returns for her eighth year as head coach at Goessel and will be assisted this year by Zana Manche.
“These four seniors are very experienced but not naturally vocal,” Guhr said. “They will not need to teach the younger players how to play volleyball, but they will need to lead with vocal energy during the game.”
The season begins Aug. 28 at home against Elyria, Ell Saline, and Hope in a non-league contest. Early in the school year, Goessel will host its invitational tournament on Sept 8. This year there are five home dates on the school calendar.