Girls’ volleyball on path to success

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September 29, 2009 • Derek Stark
Filed under High School, Sports

Until a recent loss to Milton, the girls’ volleyball squad found themselves at a record of 9-0. With first year coach Amy Spies, the team has made the adjustment to the Badger Conference much smoother than most Fort teams have in the first fourteen months.
With an exciting start like this, it is common for people to start making predictions: Conference Champs, Sectionals, even State.
“This year, I want the team to come in first in conference and have a winning record,” Senior Cassidy Lyons said,.
For the Hawks to contend for the conference title, they are going to have to rely on their chemistry; how they play together as a team.
This group of seniors, who initially started playing together in seventh grade, have not only strengthened their chemistry in volleyball, but also through other sports. Seniors Niki Boos, Cassidy Lyons, Kelsey O’Brien and Wendy Haugom have all spent time on the basketball court with one another, while Boos, Lyons and Bakken all have played keys roles in Forts’ softball program.
A key to the success of this group has been commitment. A number of players including Boos, Haugom, Lyons, O’Brien and juniors Shelby Graffin and Courtney Hafferman committed to playing year round. The weekly practices and tournaments allowed these six key players to maintain mid-season form, while improving their weaknesses at the same time.
“To continue at a high level of play, we must have team chemistry, and also believing we can win each and every match. Coach Spies has really helped us all believe in each other,” Senior Emilie Bakken said
The players are not the only ones to have noticed an improvement since Spies has taken over.
“I’ve really noticed how they’ve meshed together, they seem to click on the court, when they get down they always find a way to get themselves right back up,” Senior Anthony Galston said.
Though the girls still have a tough road ahead of them, with playing Madison Edgewood and Monona Grove each twice and Oregon once, we will see if they can continue their success in conference.