Winnebago looking to build upon last year

Team: Winnebago

Mascot: Indians

Colors: Blue and White

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Jade Farmer (2nd season)

2018 record: 9-20

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The Winnebago Volleyball Team looks to build upon last year's 9-20 season.

The Indians have 13 girls on this year's varsity roster.

Key returners for 2nd year Head Coach Jade Farmer are Natasha Deal (5'8, JR MB/MH), Tia YellowThunder (5'6, SR S), Savannah Fiero (5'6, SR S/DS), Kiana Lewis (5'9, SR OH), Jaidan Payer (5'8, SR RS), and Keisha Snyder (5'10, JR MH).

These six girls figure to have a major impact on the team this year.

The Indians parted ways with Alex Neff, Jean Parker-Morris, Kiylista Harden, Kae Earth, and Jada Decora last season.

I feel Winnebago has a really strong core group of girls back and should be even more improved this year.

The Indians have a nice mix of older and younger players, and so it will be interesting to see how everyone meshes throughout the season.

I think things will be a lot easier this year for Winnebago from a system and understanding standpoint with it being Coach Farmer's 2nd year.

I feel the Indians are probably more familiar with what she wants and expects.

I thought Winnebago had a fairly decent season last year all things considering.

I do think the Indians have a lot of room for growth and improvement though, and if Winnebago can crack double digit wins this year that would be a huge deal I feel.

It can definitely happen too, but the Indians have to work their tails off these next 2+ months and make it happen.

Winnebago has to come out and play their style of Volleyball, and try and force other teams to adapt to what they are trying to do.

The Indians have to be scrappy, and must limit mistakes and not beat themselves.

Winnebago has to find ways to manufacture easy points and win the hustle plays and points as much as possible.

The Indians have to kick it into high gear with their first match of the season approaching.

Season Outlook:

Winnebago hosts Emerson-Hubbard in the season opener on Tuesday.

The Indians beat the Pirates twice last year, and I feel they have what it takes to do it again this year.

I feel there are plenty of opportunities for wins on the schedule for Winnebago this season.

If the Indians can limit their number of losses via sweep I think that would really help grow their confidence.

Reason being last year Winnebago was swept by a lot of teams that finished below .500.

Despite that though I thought the Indians took some positive steps in the right direction from 2017 to 2018.

I feel that Winnebago is in a good place and good hands with Coach Farmer.

I think the Indians can turn around their program, and now is as good a time as any to do so.

Winnebago has to maximize and realize their potential, and be confident in themselves and one another.

The Indians have to encouraging to one another in practice and in matches, and everyone needs to get along.

Winnebago has to take the fight to their opponent every single time they set foot on the floor.

The Indians have a good number of home matches this year so they need to defend their home floor this season.

Four of Winnebago's wins came at home last year as they were 4-5 in matches on their home court a year ago so that has to be encouraging.

Honestly I think the Indians can have success in just about every match they play in at home this season.

If Winnebago can defend their home court and at least take some sets in some of those matches I think it would serve as a confidence and momentum booster for the Indians.

There are 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores, and 2 freshmen on this team so having 9 upperclassmen on the team should really help Winnebago I would think as the time is definitely now for the Blue and White.

2019 Winnebago Indians Volleyball Schedule:

09/03/19 Emerson-Hubbard
09/07-09/07 (To Be Determined) Ft. Calhoun Invitational (4-Team 1-Day Tournament) Fort Calhoun High School
09/12/19 Omaha Christian Academy Triangular (host: Winnebago)
09/12/19 Walthill Triangular (host: Winnebago)
09/17/19 @ Ponca
     09/21 (To Be Determined) Winnebago Invite (4-Team Round Robin) Winnebago
09/24/19 Omaha Nation
09/26/19 Emerson-Hubbard Triangular (host: BRLD)
09/26/19 BRLD Triangular (host: BRLD)
09/28-09/28 (To Be Determined) Elkhorn Valley Tournament (1-Day Tournament, >4 Teams) Elkhorn Valley
10/01/19 Walthill Triangular (host: Omaha Nation)
10/01/19 Omaha Nation Triangular (host: Omaha Nation)
10/03/19 Winside
10/08/19 Homer Triangular (host: Winnebago)
10/08/19 Whiting, IA Triangular (host: Winnebago)
10/15/19 @ Madison
10/17/19 @ Laurel-Concord-Coleridge  
10/19-10/22 (To Be Determined) Lewis and Clark Conference (2/3-Day Tournament) TBD
10/24/19 Homer Triangular (host: Winnebago)
10/24/19 Wakefield-Allen Triangular (host: Winnebago)