Last fall the Lady Tiger volleyball team broke a 13 year drought from the state tournament on the backs of seven seniors. As two a day practices opened up last week, Head Coach Sandra Johnson finds herself (4th as head coach) and assistant Kitson Boldon (7th year) with a small handful of experienced players.

Seniors Ashley Christianson, Taylor Gaukel and Kianna Blackburn are the only ones coming back with varsity experience-as the other two letter winners (sophs Courtney Rowley and Riley Shaw) are both sidelined from summer surgeries. This will push many others from the Class of 2021 into immediate varsity action. “They’re willing to work hard knowing that there are varsity spots available,” said Gaukel.

“There’s younger girls out there, even some freshmen that have opportunities to see varsity time,” said Johnson. Only 15 are out so far and C squad games will be few and far between. “Look at last year, a few of those seniors played varsity as freshmen-that’s how you build a team. In four years you have built up experience and understanding of pressure situations.”

Christianson is a two-time All Conference setter and will direct the 5-1 offense again. “She’s been running it since middle school, is so consistent and can set from anywhere on the floor,” Johnson added. “And Taylor, we’re going to have her hitting from all over the floor-that’s the goal.” Blackburn has played almost every position since her freshman season, and Johnson sees her in the middle.

Lucy Ceaglske and Allison Williams are the only juniors, and sophs Anna Richardson and Bryn Bruch have impressed so far. “Bryn has been a setter but we’re moving her to the outside, and I think she’s liking it,” smiled Johnson. Ceaglske and Williams will work the back row and Richardson will be an outside hitter. Renae Marker brings height and should help at the net.

Southeast and Pine Bluffs are the early favorites in the 2A SE, while Wright, Big Horn and defending State Champion Sundance look strong in the 2A NE.

The goal is to return to  Casper but with a deep East side, the young Lady Tigers have their work cut out for them. “Everyone’s got to remember that we need to exercise patience, and set our expectations at a reasonable level,” said Johnson.” But along the way we might surprise a few people.” Blackburn echoed those thoughts with “Maybe it’s better they don’t know about all our new girls.”

The Lady Tigers begin the season at the Lingle Invite on Aug 24 and at Crawford, NE Aug 30. The home opener is set for Aug 31 as Guernsey-Sunrise comes to Tiger Gym.