Jennesse Kutach
Team gathers to celebrate Halata.
Over the past two weeks, the Lady Brahma volleyball team has been racking up the wins, including their first few district games, and is looking to progress all the way to the playoffs.
“I really think we have a chance at going to playoffs this year.” Kylee Vornsand, Varsity Volleyball Player, said.
On Friday, Sept. 5, the Lady Brahmas played Brazos at home and won 3-0, and went on to play in a tournament the next day.
On Tuesday, Sept. 9th, the Lady Brahmas played Yoakum for their first district game at home and won 3-2 in the last set with Alaina Halata getting 1500th career assist!
“It was amazing, I’m really grateful for my hitters like Haven. It’s really a team effort; I didn’t do it without them. I’m really proud of it, because I know a lot of people don’t get to do that in their career,” Halata said.
Last week on Friday, Sept. 12th, the Lady Brahmas played in Tidehaven and won 3-0.
This Tuesday, the team played at Edna and won 3-0.
This year, the ladies have experienced some position changes, along with players being promoted from JV.
“The position changes this year are definitely going to be a challenge, but it’s going to be a fresh start for us that we really need.” Haven Drozd, Varsity Volleyball Player, said.
These position changes are very strategic, especially with how many seniors the team lost last year.
“We lost our libero, 6th rotation outside, and a middle, so those were some big positions to fill. And a lot of the returning varsity players we have either do not play those positions or do not have the ability to play those positions. The underclassmen this year are doing a really good job at stepping up and filling those positions. Kylee is doing a good job at middle, and Caitlynn is doing a great job as libero.” Coach Olbert, Head Volleyball Coach, said.
With position changes come difficulty, but the volleyball team has been doing the best they can and striving through the challenge of playing new positions.
“I’m really excited about district, the girls are 2-0, and we beat Yoakum, which apparently has not happened since 2021, and us being 2-0 has not happened in forever. This feeling and excitement, I hope, continues.” Olbert said.
As Coach O said, the volleyball team is currently undefeated in district, having gone 2-0 in their last couple of games. Naturally, the girls and coaches have some pretty big goals and expectations for themselves for the year.
“A lot of the girls have been on Varsity since their freshman year: Jans, Addison Matula, Caitlynn, Christine. A lot of them are at the point where they are reaching milestones. We just had Alaina Halata get her 1500th career assist, and that is huge! You don’t see that a lot in the 3A level or even in the 4A or 5A level; it’s more common in the 6A level. Jans and Caitlynn are both close to getting 500 digs, and Jans is getting close to getting 500 kills. It’s exciting to think about how much growth they’ve had since freshman year.” Olbert said.
Some players are looking to encourage their teammates and be the best they possibly can on the court.
“Some goals for me are just being a louder and more confident player on the court, and just always try and do the best I can as a player,” Avery Bujnoch said.
The seniors this year are setting up their younger teammates for next year since this is their last year with the team.
“A goal for me is just to be an athlete that the other girls can look up to and do the best that I can to be a role model,” Drozd said.
One of the team’s players has already achieved her goal for this season and is just looking forward to seeing her teammates do the same.
“I’m really looking forward to playoffs this year, we haven’t gone in the last four years, so really not at all in my high school career. I’m also looking forward to seeing the other girls achieve their goals and maybe get some more milestones of my own.” Halata said.
Tonight, the Lady Brahmas will play Rice at home for homecoming, so go out and support and stay tuned for more LB volleyball!