AMANDA WEHNES, COURIER CORRESPONDENT

The season looks bright for the South Loup Lady Bobcats volleyball team with strong leadership from its six seniors, coupled with loads of talent at all levels.

“I have high expectations (for the season) because I know I have great leaders in my seniors,” said head coach Desiree Guthrie. “They have been an integral part of this team since they were freshmen.”

Much of the Bobcat lineup will remain the same this season, including senior libero Ava Pandorf, who surpassed 500 digs in one season last year. Having to replace fouryear starting setter Mya Weverka, who graduated in May, could be a challenge for the team. But Coach Guthrie is confident the young woman she has picked to fill the role will be successful.

“I know I can depend on our team with the skills we do have,” said Guthrie. “She has teammates who can get her the ball and our skills are not lacking.”

Other seniors returning this year include Lauryn Johnson, Talli Martin, Devin Peterson, Taylor Ross and Abby Stallbaumer. Juniors Charli Vickers and Bryn Schwarz will return to play varsity, while the remainder of the roster is yet to be decided.

The JV and reserve teams lost a handful of players this season because of students moving out of district, but gained nine freshman players.

In addition to changes in starters this season, the coach’s bench looks a bit differ-

ABOVE: Abby Stallbaumer returns the ball to Cozad on Aug. 19 during the preseason jamboree game. LEFT: Ava Pandorf, center, dives for the ball as her teammates prepare to react during the pre-season jamboree at Cozad on Friday, Aug. 19. The Bobcats won four of the five matches.

ent with assistant coach Kim Sallach retiring at the end of last season, and newcomer Sarah Reish taking her place.

Reish, who played volleyball in high school at Bayard and intramural volleyball at Chadron State, is excited to focus on teambuilding, new skills, and watching the JV and reserve teams grow.

Also returning this season as an assistant coach is Jason Wehnes. The Lady Bobcats have a similar schedule to last season, with the regular season starting at the Nebraska State Fair on Aug. 27 with the Bill Marshall Volleyball Classic. The Lady Bobcats will face Burwell at 3:15 p.m. There is no cost to watch the tournament, but an admission ticket to the State Fair is required.

Courier photos by Amanda Wehnes