This year, the Southeast of Saline Lady Trojan volleyball team had a significant change that came to their team. JuliAnne Rathbun, last year’s JV coach, stepped up into the head coaching position after last season’s coach, Ashley Gilpin, resigned. By her side, is assistant coach Kelsey Sims (JV) and Pesha Ptacek (Freshman Team). After losing five seniors last season, the upperclassmen are ready to step up and be leaders.
The Lady Trojans have three home games this season and one home tournament. One home game that they are excited about is September 26th against Beloit. Last year, the Lady Trojans varsity team traveled to Beloit, and beat Beloits’ 50-game league-winning streak by splitting matches and going 1-1 that night. This year, the girls are looking to go 2-0 on the night. Senior, Lexi Jacobson, stated, “When we play Beloit, we just need to focus on putting up a big block, hitting over their blocks, and digging the balls that our blocks don’t cover.”
With the new coaches, the girls are looking forward to a great season. Junior, Christina Wingo said, “I am looking forward to a winning season and an improved season, due to the new knowledge being presented to us.” Coach Ptacek decided to rejoin the coaching squad and shared that she had always planned to get back into coaching volleyball at some point. When the opportunity came, she took it. “As an athlete, volleyball was my favorite sport. I love the pace and intensity of volleyball,” said Ptacek.
Coming up first for Trojan volleyball is a Triangular vs. the Clay Center Tigers and the Minneapolis Lions in Clay Center. They went 1-2 against Clay Center, and 2-0 against Minneapolis. Their home tournament is September 9th and they are looking forward to winning the tournament, despite the other high-powered teams that will be there. Overall, the Lady Trojans are looking forward to developing and coming out on top this year.
