WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL: Lady Apaches finish strong
By Erin Breyne
The Lady Apache volleyball team had a strong season with an overall record of 20-11 and a conference mark of 8-2. The Lady Apaches also had an outstanding overall ranking of second in the conference.
"Our strongest asset was that we were pretty balanced," said head coach Laurie Polte. "We had great hitters and setters and we could play well both on defense and offense."
Polte also stated that their weakness was the injuries at the end of the season. Katie Zemann was injured at the end of the year and was out for two weeks. Her injury hurt the team as did the injuries of other teammates.
In the Division II Playoffs on Oct. 31 the team won its first game against Waubonsee: 8-15, 15-17, 15-11, 15-13, 15-9. They lost against the No. 3 game against Highland: 14-16, 11-15, 6-15.
"I think it really affected us because we didn’t have Linsey Sharpe and Zemann had just come back from an injury. She (Zemann) had been out for two weeks," said Polte.
Polte could say nothing but good things about her team members this year, three of whom made the all conference team. Those named were Leslie Seneca, Caroline Bryant, and Tammy Thompson. Seneca also made all tournament in the region tournament.
Zimmermann played great defense all year long and Coach Polte also stated that she believes Zemann will make all conference next year if she keeps up her hard work. Polte will also have a strong team next year if her freshmen decide to return. Those who may return are Zemann, Seneca, Hillary Grilc, Jennifer Bosh, Michelle Fusinato, and Courtney Keenan.
Polte also said, "I enjoyed the season and we all knew each other pretty well so it made things nice. I also think that it was a good stepping stone for next year."