A Central Wisconsin Conference-8 championship is a realistic goal for the Bonduel High School volleyball team, according to head coach Kimberly Bodoh.
After finishing 7-3 in the conference last season and losing just two starters, the Bears return a strong front line ready to continue attacking.
Despite losses at the middle hitter position, Bodoh said that attacking will remain a strength for the team.
The losses are Jen Dowden, who was named Bonduel’s Player of the Year, and Alexa Reinke, who played a valuable role in the middle for the Bears.
With the focus on Dowden and Reinke, the rest of the Bears gained valuable experience as they adjusted to varsity competition.
“Last year, it was a lot of the sophomores’ and juniors’ first year on varsity, so even though we had some upperclassmen, it seemed like they were a little young and a little shy, not as confident in themselves,” Bodoh said.
With the lack of varsity experience came inconsistencies in communication, confidence and play; things Bodoh does not think will be issues this time around.
Bonduel’s senior class, especially Haley Pues and Taylor Weier, will lead the front line, with setter Miranda Schmidt coordinating the powerful offense.
“As we go on, our confidence builds, so we need to start out with it right on top,” senior Pues said. “We didn’t really talk a lot (last year) like we do this year.”
A quick start to the season at the Oostburg Invitational on Thursday would set a positive tone for a team that had a strong first week in tryouts and practices.
“It was nice to come in and not have to start from the beginning. We jumped off from last year, and I can just tell how hard they worked over the summer,” Bodoh said. “If they play to the level they are capable, we are going to have a really, really good team.
“I just feel like we have so much varsity experience, I really think a conference championship is very within reach for this team. If they play consistently, with their ability and their teamwork, they really should be able to win conference.”
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