SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY Lutheran enjoys a Class A No. 4 preseason ranking for good reason with seven returning seniors from team that won 26 matches last year. The players are (front) outside hitter Emma McIntosh, defensive specialist Bethany Ulrey, outside hitter Rachel Vandivier; (back) 6-1 middle hitter Alex Engler, 6-3 middle hitter Whitney Hoover, setter Julia Simons and outside hitter Nina Milivojac.
LUTHERAN (26-9) – Last year’s disappointment in semistate keeps experienced Saints hungry … coach Kathy Anderson has seven seniors back with an impressive three-year record of 81-25 … 6-2 senior All-State Whitney Hoover, team leader in kills (315), has grown into locker room and court leader and can play all six positions … third-year libero Elise Sombke led team with 333 digs … senior assist leader (535) Julia Simons provides additional experience … more savvy comes from senior outside hitters Nina Milivojac, Rachel Vandivier, who missed part of the season with an injury, and Emma McIntosh and senior middle hitter Alex Engler … soph Erin Pasch adds depth to front line … Saints have size, speed, quickness and intelligence to make it to state finals in Muncie.
Anderson’s comment: “We have a group that came in as freshman, and it has been fun to see them improve each season. They are a hard-working group; it will be fun to see what they can do. The big difference is that we have all our setters back. Our kids have a good work ethic, and they are smart. They play smart. This is a tight-knit group that likes to be together. We haven’t gotten the big one (state championship) – that’s what keeps driving them. Every group, every year, wants to make that push and continue our winning tradition. These seniors are going to take another shot at it.”
Anderson’s comment: “We have a group that came in as freshman, and it has been fun to see them improve each season. They are a hard-working group; it will be fun to see what they can do. The big difference is that we have all our setters back. Our kids have a good work ethic, and they are smart. They play smart. This is a tight-knit group that likes to be together. We haven’t gotten the big one (state championship) – that’s what keeps driving them. Every group, every year, wants to make that push and continue our winning tradition. These seniors are going to take another shot at it.”
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