~by Dustin Teays for The Scranton Journal
The Greene County Rams volleyball team had one win and one loss in a successful week.
The Rams first took on West Marshall, where they fell 3-1 (20-25, 25-27, 25-20, 24-26). While the Rams opened their week with a loss, they were able to rebound and get a win over South Hamilton 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-10). With the postseason quickly approaching, there is plenty to be excited about with this team.
“I feel good about the progress we have made throughout the season. We are not the same team that we were at the beginning. Sure, we have had a few setbacks here and there, but in general, there is progress, and that is the goal and purpose of showing up every day — to grow,” head coach Chris Heisterkamp said.
The Rams are approaching one of the year’s special nights when they honor their seniors. This year, they are Emma Shipley, Ella Shipley, Hailey Carman, Violet Reedy, Payton Kokenge, and Emma Ewalt.
“This group of seniors is an extraordinary group of girls. I have had the pleasure of working with them since sixth-grade youth volleyball, followed by seventh and eighth-grade AAU seasons. They are committed, dedicated, hard-working, and demonstrate inspiring leadership that is respected by all of our younger players. It’s been such a joy to work with these seniors over the years,” Heisterkamp said.
When asked what the Rams volleyball program has meant to these seniors, they talked about how important the collectively program is.
“It’s more than a sport; it’s become our second family. It’s helped shape us into the people we are today. We have made memories and relationships that will last a lifetime,” Greene County Rams volleyball seniors said.
The Rams have a busy week ahead. They were expected to face off against Roland-Story on Monday and then have Senior Night against PCM on Oct. 17. The Rams are then expected to head to Winterset for the Winterset Tournament on Oct. 19. They are scheduled to open up the first round of postseason play on Oct. 22 against Des Moines Christian beginning at 7 p.m.
Greene County 1 W. Marshall 3
Kills: Lila Osterson 11, Emma Shipley 10, Ella Shipley 6, Emma Ewalt 5, Violet Reedy 4, Payton Kokenge 4
Blocks: Emma Shipley 3, Ella Shipley 1, Violet Reedy 1, Lila Osterson 1
Assists: Violet Reedy 25, Payton Kokenge 2, Bellah Johnson 1
Digs: Bellah Johnson 10, Hailey Carman 10, Emma Ewalt 8, Violet Reedy 5, Lila Osterson 5, Addison Gannon 4, Payton Kokenge 2
Greene County 3 S. Hamilton 0
Kills: Lila Osterson 9, Emma Ewalt 6, Emma Shipley 6, Payton Kokenge 5, Violet Reedy 3, Ella Shipley 2
Blocks: Emma Shipley 2, Ella Shipley 2, Violet Reedy 2, Payton Kokenge 1
Assists: Violet Reedy 24
Digs: Bellah Johnson 10, Emma Ewalt 8, Hailey Carman 6, Addison Gannon 2, Lila Osterson 2, Payton Kokenge 1, Violet Reedy 1, Ella Shipley 1
