Jeff Chaney
Sports Scene
The Sacred Heart Academy volleyball team is going through some growing pains.
Last year, the Irish won a district championship, and two years ago the team lost to Central Lake in the Class D quarterfinals, but this year’s squad is having to deal with the loss of five talented senior starters off last year’s team.
Through September 21, the team has posted a 12-13-1 overall record, but it is 2-0 in the Mid-States Activities Conference.
“We have a pretty young team, and we have had a tough schedule this year,” senior captain Erica Hansen said. “We have been competitive in all of our matches, we just have to finish.”
Knowing how to finish close matches could be a problem with a young team, but coach Mike Kruscke knew that this year’s squad was going to have to deal with problems like that heading into the season.
“This year is definitely a rebuilding year for us,” Kruscke said. “ After losing five starters from last year, the pressure is on the new up-and-comers. We have three sophomores in key roles. Getting them up to speed has been our focus for this year. Lexie Methner is our middle hitter and has gotten stronger each week. Riley Terwilliger is arguably one of the top three athletes on this team, and Bainy Scully is our third sophomore and has played outside as well as middle attacker.”
The good thing for Kruscke is that he has a senior player in Hansen who can act as a leader to all this young talent and show them the ropes of playing varsity volleyball.
“I think I have [leadership] in me,” Hansen said. “I was the captain on my basketball team last year, so I know what it’s like to be a leader.”
No matter how the Irish are made up, expectations are still high for the program that has had state success in the recent past.
“We have set high goals for this year’s squad,” Kruscke said. “Three phases – first win our conference, and we are presently 2-0 in conference. Second win our third straight district title, and we are very much aware that the road to the district championship this year is a tough one. If and when we get the first two accomplished, we will set our third goal.
“For now the focus for these young ladies is to get better with each practice and match,” he added. “We are still learning how to win. Our strength is Erica, who is a four-year starter. She brings a competitive leadership and is focused on keeping this team heading towards our goals.”
Another player that Kruscke says needs to play at a high level in order for the team to achieve its goals is junior setter Sara Hansen, who is a three year starter.
“She is determined to get the rhythm and timing of these ladies all on the same beat,” Kruscke said.
Erica Hansen says it’s time to make a push to a successful season. “We don’t want to have a down year,” she said. “We are improving. I’m not worried about our record now; I know we will be where we need to be as the season goes on.”