2024 Lady Vandals’ volleyball season is underway

In Eureka County, Vandal Pride starts long before the first volleyball soars over the net or the roar of the hometown crowd is heard in the Vandal Athletic Center. It begins the minute the Lady Vandals volleyball team sets foot on the gym floor for pre-season practice. And practice it has been since  the team kicked off their summer schedule with a week-long camp in June. It continued with workouts and open gym sessions throughout the past two months, ending with another week-long camp July 29-Aug. 1. Official practice for the season begins on Monday, Aug. 5.  

“Shara and I are very excited for our team this year,” said Head Coach Kati Benson. “This group of girls is so much fun to watch play volleyball. They are energetic, persistent and always getting better. We love seeing all the athletes improve from the beginning of the season to the end. It’s such a testament to their work ethic and the positive culture in the gym. Coming off our fourth straight year as regional champions, the team is hoping to capitalize on this experience and play well in the postseason. Personally, as a coach, if the girls play hard, improve their volleyball skills and knowledge and don’t want the season to end, my goals have been achieved.” Benson and assistant coach Shara Talbot have been coaching together the past three years. 

Powerhouse seniors Megan Johnson, Hannah Bliss and Natalie Gray have been playing volleyball together since elementary school. Benson and Talbot have been their coaches throughout high school. They have seen their tears, disappointment, defeat, and they have also witnessed the girls’ joy and pride after winning the 1A East Regional Tournament the past four years straight. This year Johnson, Bliss and Gray aren’t just gunning for their fifth straight regional title. They have their eyes on the prize: the coveted Nevada 1A State Volleyball Champions title. 

The Lady Vandals tentatively scrimmage the Spring Creek Spartans on Aug. 10.^. They then head to the Yerington tournament on Aug. 16 and 17, followed by the Battle Mountain tournament on Aug. 23 and 24.  

Make sure to catch a game if you are in town when this remarkable team is playing. Green and gold Vandal Pride shines bright in these ladies, with every ace, pass, kill, block, assist and win bringing them one step closer to that state title. Look for a new set of uniforms this year as well!