WHS volleyball season ends

A “rollercoaster” season came to an end for the Waseca High School volleyball team Tuesday night in Mankato as the Bluejays lost 3-0 to NRHEG in the second round the sub-section tournament. 

The Bluejays led in all three games, by as many as six in game two, and were tied at 23-23 in the final set. Game scores were 25-21, 25-20, and 25-23. 

“We had a lot of hitting errors tonight, a lot of self-inflicted errors,” sixth-year head coach Jolene Hauger said after the game. “We played too safe. This season was full of a lot of ups and downs. We faced a lot of challenges finding the right rotation, balancing skill aspect and the mental aspect of the game. You need both in volleyball. One is not more important.” 

This year’s Bluejays graduate seven seniors, and three, three-year starters: Haylee Sommers, Avery Madsen, Kloe Wadd, Riley Ruedy, Erika Bowers, Megan Kanewischer, and Shanece Brown.

“I encouraged the girls to hold their heads high and think about the battle they fought tonight,” Hauger continued. “I reminded them of all the time, commitment, and energy they gave to this program. These past seasons spent with this group have been phenomenal. This group was a great example for our youngsters coming through our program to look up to.”

Individually for the Bluejays: Ruedy 2 kills, 1 dig; Sommers 13 digs; Kanewischer 5 kills, 1 digs; Bowers 7 digs, 1 service ace; Madsen 7 kills, 1 assist, 2 digs, 1 block, 1 ace; Siri Kuhns 34 assists, 11 digs, 1 block, 2 ace; Aliyah Taylor 17 kills, 11 digs, 1 block, 1 ace; Takara Slattery 6 digs; Wadd 1 kill, 2 blocks; Ellie Hoehn 2 kills.

The Bluejays end their season 11-11. They are coached by Hauger, assisted by Nicole Sommers, Jalea Spies, and student managed by Kalea Sartori.