With five seniors and three juniors that were letterwinners a year ago returning this fall, the Britton-Hecla volleyball squad is hoping to post its first winning season in a while.
“We definitely would like to have a winning season,” said second-year coach Jenna Peters, whose squad posted an 8-16 mark last year. “The key for us to make that happen is for our girls to lean on each other and put a lot of trust in each other. In volleyball it is so important to trust the girls around you.”
Leola-Frederick is coming to town on Tuesday for the Lady Braves’ season opener, and Peters hopes her club can start the season on the right foot.
“I think it’s kind of a rebuilding year for Leola-Frederick, so it would be nice for us to get off to a good start,” said Peters. “We’re still figuring out who will be at some of the spots and working on our blocking and being aggressive at the net. We’re hoping our defense holds up and keeps us going.”
Starters have not yet been named for Tuesday’s opener but Peters has selected the members of the varsity squad. They include seniors Sterling Brassfield, Heather Storbakken, Annika Tank, McKenna Heer, Mallory Grupe, and RaeAnn Hagenson; juniors Karlie Zuehlke, Abby Lee, and Ava Teveldal; sophomores Maddi Micko, Brynlee Schmieg, Airiana Buer, and Daynika Zuehlke; and freshman Jaelee Grupe.
“We have some younger players that haven’t played on varsity before so we’re looking to get them more confidence and experience,” noted Peters. “the middle of our schedule starts to get pretty tough, so if we can win a few games early it will hopefully give us an extra boost.”
Britton-Hecla will `be moving up from Class B to Class A this season, and Peters thinks that is a positive.
“We’re really excited to play the Class A teams. I think it takes a little pressure off the girls. In the past we’ve been in the same region with Northwestern and Warner that have both been so dominant for so long. I feel like this year, even though the teams are just as tough, we don’t have any preconceived ideas about them.”
Peters pointed to defense as a strength for her squad this season.
“I’m really excited about our defense and think that’s goig to be the strongest part of our game this year. The keyj words we’re using to describe us this year are “Hustle and Heart” and the girls seem excited and have been working really hard. Our goal is to win through hustle and defense. Those are two things that we can control.”
