Wisner-Pilger eyeing more success in 2015

Team: Wisner-Pilger

Mascot: Gators

Colors: Green and White

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Jean Groth (38th season)

2014 record: 23-10

Returning Starters: 6


Overview:

The Wisner-Pilger Gators are hoping to build off last year's success when they went 23-10 before losing to Wayne in sub districts.

Wisner-Pilger returns six starters in Bailey Batenhorst (SENIOR 6’ M), Sydney Bradfield (SENIOR 5’10” OH), Sara Smyth (SENIOR 5’11” M), Tessa Ruskamp (SENIOR 5’7” OH), Sydney Williams (SENIOR 5’5” S), and Lauren Jacobsen (SOPH 5’8” S).

The Gators have three key players to replace in Libero Jenny Lueshen, Right Side Attacker Bailey Mathis, and Defensive Specialist Sagan Ruskamp.

Wisner-Pilger is definitely experienced as they are almost all a senior laden bunch. This is the last time a lot of these girls will play competitive hardwood volleyball in their lives so they have to make it a season to remember.

Head Coach Jean Groth says it's important for her team to come together this year. "A continual challenge each year is to get a group of uncommon people to work toward a common goal."

The Gators have to have a goal of making the state tournament this year. Wisner-Pilger is definitely talented enough to get there, even though they have Guardian Angels Central Catholic in their sub district.

Groth says her team has to play the way they are capable of no matter the situation. "As we move through our competitive season, the goal for the team will be to be mindful of the thought to “never let the situation own their skill.” 

Instead, the Gators have to let their skill own each situation. Wisner-Pilger has to play hard nosed, aggressive volleyball this season.

The Gators have to go all out, and have to want it more than their opponents. Now is the time for success if you are Wisner-Pilger. I look for the Gators to have a very fine season.

Given this team's experience and leadership, I expect them to play well from the start of the season to the end. There may be a struggle period for this squad at some point during the season, but I look for Wisner-Pilger to be one of the more consistent teams in the area this season.

There shouldn't be any hesitation on the part of the Gators. Wisner-Pilger knows what's expected of them, and must go out there and perform at a high level night in and night out.

For the Gators, it's simply a matter of going out there and making things happen. Wisner-Pilger has to make big play after big play to get where they want to this season.

Season Outlook:

The Wisner-Pilger Gators make the small transition from Class C-1 to Class C-2, and hope to still be dominant in their new class.

There's no reason to think they won't be given how many seniors they have in their starting lineup.

Wisner-Pilger doesn't have an easy schedule as the Gators battle the likes of North Bend Central, Stanton, Crofton, Howells-Dodge, and Oakland-Craig.

I look for the Gators to take the next step and beat some of those teams. Wisner-Pilger had some quality wins last year, and I look for them to have even more this year.

Of course the Gators have to remain healthy, but if they do look for them to be a huge factor this season.

Wisner-Pilger has to respect their opponents, but can't be afraid of anyone.

I really don't think there's anyone on the Gators' schedule they can't beat.

It should be a special season for Wisner-Pilger. The Gators have to make the most of their opportunities, and can't let matches or points slip away.

Wisner-Pilger has to manufacture easy points, and has to make their opponents earn their points.

Serve receiving, passing, hitting, and communicating well will all be important for this team.

Expectations couldn't be any higher for the Gators. Wisner-Pilger has to play up to their potential, and make sure they do everything in their power to win each match this season.

An undefeated season isn't likely in the cards for the Gators, but Wisner-Pilger has to approach each match as if it is theirs to win.

The Gators have to be focused on each match, and must take things one match at a time.  

If Wisner-Pilger plays the way they are capable of this season, they can do a lot of special things and make a lot of memories for themselves.

2015 Wisner-Pilger Gators Volleyball Schedule:

 

09/03-09/05	(To Be Determined)
09/08/15	West Point-Beemer	C1
09/15/15	@ North Bend Central	C1
09/22/15	Stanton	C2
09/22/15	Pender	D1
09/24/15	Battle Creek	C2
09/24/15	Crofton	C2
09/26-09/26	(To Be Determined)
09/29/15	Madison	C1
09/29/15	Howells-Dodge	D1
10/08	(To Be Determined)
10/10-10/10	(To Be Determined)
10/13/15	Tekamah-Herman	C1
10/15-10/17	(To Be Determined)								TBD
10/20/15	@ Twin River	C2
10/22/15	Logan View	C1
10/22/15	Scribner-Snyder	D2
10/22/15	Logan View	C1
10/27/15	Oakland-Craig	C2