Published: August 18, 2008 10:21 am         

Goshen volleyball team's goal is to increase wins

It’s time to deliver better results in the Goshen High School girls volleyball program.

“We want a winning record this season and think that is in reach,” said second-year Lady Redskin head coach Kera Maure. “We went 1-6 in the (Northern Lakes) conference last year and should do better than that too.”

Four letterwinners return from a Goshen team which went 15-17 in 2007. Lost to graduation were Pam Ciesielski, Katrina Miller and Steph Cook.

Returning are seniors Rachel Frantz, Jena Toney and Kelsey Kidd and junior Jordyn Myers.

“The girls know my expectations now,” said Maure. “They have learned the need to hustle or there will be consequences. I think we are better than we were last year at this point. Defensively, we are doing very good.”

Others listed as varsity players are seniors Haley Linn and Kaytie Lewallen; junior Olivia Zepeda; sophomores Elisabeth Kleinsmith, Kaitlyn Troyer and Cassie Cook.

“We have a young team which can only improve with experience,” said Maure. “Playing at the varsity level is totally different than junior varsity.

“We have been working on defense a lot, learning we need to constantly move our feet. And, we have focused a lot on service reception.

“Rachel Frantz can be a dominant player for us and Jena Toney is a great, consistent hitter. Jordyn Myers and Kelsey Kidd have improved tremendously.

“Our junior varsity had a good season last year and those players moving up have great competitive instincts.”

Junior Maria Weaver is part of the junior varsity along with sophomores Brittany Ford, Caitlin Yoder, Kimberly Williams, Lauren Lehman, Madison Hussey and Maranda Reed.

Freshmen in the program are Dani Weaver, Hailey Warrick, Julie Jesse, Mckenzie Byler, Andrea Yeater, Ashley Randall, Brittany Graber, Brittney Hussey, Jessica Ellis, Kayla Buckmaster, Kelly Weaver, Makayla Holden, Shelby Downing and Yesenia Montanez.

Assistant coaches are Tonia Rensberger, Sarah Koontz and Mark Gruwell.

The Lady Redskins open the regular season at home Tuesday against Bremen. JV play begins at 6 p.m., followed by varsity.



Redskin schedule

Aug. 19 — Bremen H

Aug. 21 — Westview T

Aug. 23 — LaPorte Invitational

Aug. 28 — Jimtown H

Sep. 2 — Penn H

Sep. 4 — Warsaw H

Sep. 8 — LaVille T

Sep. 9 — Central H

Sep. 11 — Wawasee H

Sep. 16 — Fairfield H

Sep. 18 — Northridge T

Sep. 20 — Goshen Invitational

Sep. 23 — NorthWood T

Sep. 25 — Concord T

Sep. 27 — Homestead Invitational

Oct. 2 — Plymouth H

Oct. 4 — Northridge Invitational

Oct. 6 — Angola T

Oct. 7 — Bethany T

Oct. 9 — Memorial T

Oct. 13 — Elkhart Christian H

Oct. 20 — Lakeland T

Oct. 23-25 — Sectional at Concord