By Tiffany L. Rehbein
One senior and two returning varsity players define the Blue Sky Eagles volleyball team this winter.
Monica Groth, a senior and returning starter, and Cassidy Han, a 5-foot-10 sophomore and returning starter, are the veterans on this year's team.
"Even though the team is very inexperienced, they play extremely well together," said head coach Jen Dahlke. Dahlke is in her second year at the helm of the Eagles, who finished 13-15 overall last season.
The freshman class should look to shine for the Eagles. With six frosh, half of whom are 5-foot-9 or taller, the Eagles will look to build the program this season.
"We have a lot of height and in a couple of years, they will really be something to watch," Dahlke said.
Shilo Burkhartsmeyer and Kylene Owens are sophomores. Ledin Letang, 6-foot-1 Jessica Patrick, Natalie Strissel, 5-foot-10 Heather Wendland, 5-foot-9 KC Schnitzmeier, and Donita Langel round out the roster.
"They have an excellent passing game and they serve the ball hard and fairly consistently," Dahlke said. "They just need to work on their defense and hitting skills."
The Eagles finished second at the KG Open held before Christmas break. Teams at the tournament tallied points with each win or loss. The Eagles finished with 112 points, while the Chester Coyotes won the tournament.
"They are a smart group of ladies and they are learning fast," Dahlke said. "After watching them play against the other teams, I believe they do have a chance to be a strong competitor in our district," Dahlke said.
Blue Sky returns to post-Christmas action on Wednesday, Jan. 5, when they travel to Rocky Boy and Box Elder to play at 4 and 5:30 p.m., respectively.
Jan.
5 -- Rocky Boy, There, 4 p.m.
5 -- Box Elder, There, 5:30 p.m.
6 -- Chester, There, 7:30 p.m.
10 -- J-I, Home, 6 p.m.
14 -- K-G, There, 5:30 p.m.
17 -- Big Sandy, There, 5:30 p.m.
20 -- Sunburst, There, 7 p.m.
29 -- Highwood Showcase, There, TBA
Feb.
3 -- Rocky Boy, Home, 4 p.m.
3 -- Box Elder, Home, 5:30 p.m.
5 -- Big Sandy, Home, 11:30 a.m.
7 -- Belt, Home, 7 p.m.
9 -- K-G, Home, 7 p.m.
11 -- J-I, There, 6 p.m.
18 -- Chester, Home, 7:30 p.m.
19 -- Sunburst, Home, 1 p.m.
