Scott Kaniewski
The Heritage High School volleyball team is learning.
Following its worst season in years, the Eagles are hoping to
get back to the state tournament, a place they’d been four
consecutive seasons until their run ended a year ago.
The Eagles showed signs of a turnaround behind their five-game
victory over Lakewood at Heritage High School on Sept. 15.
Lakewood, a state qualifier last season, was unbeaten in three
matches heading into the contest against Heritage. The Eagles
handed Lakewood its first loss while improving to 2-1.
“It gives us confidence,” Heritage coach Doug Schafer said
following the win. “It puts us in a little better place as far as,
hey, we’ve got a little fire, a little something.”
The confidence will be a big boost. Schafer said last year’s
team played to a record that hovered around .500, something the
Eagles aren’t used to.
“We had kind of a little bit of a down time,” Schafer said.
“We’re better this year and we’re playing like it, so far.”
Schafer is trying to do different things with this team. And
he’s liking the response.
“We’re aggressive,” Schafer said. “We’re trying to do a little
bit different style, different brand of volleyball. It’s a little
risky but it can pay off.
“Sometimes they’re a little bit uneasy, I think. But the more
and more they do it in practice and the more and more games they
have with that kind of style then they’re feeling better.”
While the Eagles have high hopes on the season, Schafer
understands the challenges of the Continental Conference.
“We’ve got Chaparral, Ponderosa, Highlands Ranch,” Schafer said.
“All those guys are good. It’s going to be a battle day in and day
out. We just want to be competitive and right there.”
The Eagles have several players to rely on. Schafer said about
half the team returns with varsity experience. Among the leaders
are outside hitter Sarah Jaeckel, middle blocker Kim Lockridge and
setter Madeleine Mathis.
One surprise has come from sophomore Katelyn Driscoll.
“She’s getting a lot better and more confident,” Schafer said of
Driscoll.
As the entire team gains confidence, the Eagles can work toward
a return to regionals and possibly state.
“We’re working for the end of the season,” Schafer said. “This
is a good start. We’ve got a long way to go. A long way to go.”
