Volleyball team accomplishes successful season

Allie Smith

The volleyball season has come to a close and even though it ended sadly in a 15-9, 5-15, 10-15 loss to Norfolk, the season overall was a success. Junior Chelsea Kropp has accepted the loss and can evaluate the season as a whole.

"We had a lot of fun and we were really successful," said Kropp. "It's too bad it ended how it did and it's hard to look past it, but we had a very good season."

"Good" is a modest description of the squad's 33-6 record. Going into the state tournament, the volleyball team was seeded second in the state after winning the Lincoln Northeast and Westside Invites and beating Lincoln East in the Nov. 7 district tournament.

Besides their achievements on the court, the team has become close off the court as well. All 15 girls were friends, and this positive relationship could be seen during games. Senior captain Katie Agnew could definitely feel the good vibes.

"We were really close on and off the court and that helped because we were playing for each other," said Agnew.

The girls' accomplishments can be partly attributed to the leadership behind the team. Senior captains Jo Hilbers, Katie Mehal and Katie Agnew all worked to motivate the team.

"They [the captains] were big leaders and they each brought something with them to help the team," said Kropp.

Along with the captains, the team was supported by head coach Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs and assistants Ms. Ronda Motykowski, Mr. Matt Williams and Mr. Tim Mettenbrink.

"They were really good," said Agnew. "They did a good job this year of staying positive and really encouraging us."

Kropp agrees. "We had a lot of motivation [from the coaches] and we responded well to it. They made sure we had fun and tried to loosen us up," said Kropp.

The coaches were equally impressed with the team.

"I thought that it was a very successful season in terms of reaching our many team goals," said Rohlfs.

"They were very close and the memories from the season and the friendships made are what I consider a huge part of the success of this season."

On top of the varsity team's success, the junior varsity, reserve and freshmen teams added to Marian's impressive volleyball reputation. Junior varsity, coached by Motykowski, had a 17-4 record and reserve, coached by Tim and Jamie Mettenbrink, finished the year off 8-0. The freshman A team had a record of 11-6 and freshman B had a record of 6-0, both coached by Angie Palmer.

Volleyball at Marian this fall was triumphant, to say the least. Not only did the girls have winning seasons, but the relationships between the teammates were enough to consider the season a success. According to Rohlfs, "It was a positive experience for the whole team."

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