Lady Vandal volleyball poised for playoff run

The Lady Vandal volleyball team won the 1A East League but fell in the first round of the playoffs to Wells last season. The team returns most of its roster from last year, though, and has what it needs to improve upon its 2025 playoff performance.

“We have 21 girls on our roster this year with six seniors, two juniors, seven sophomores and six freshmen. Ten players are rostered for Varsity and 11 for JV,” Eureka head coach Erin Vial said. “The team only lost one senior last year, so they are picking up right where they left off and starting with a solid foundation.”

Returning for the Lady Vandals are seniors Brooke Watts, Shay Hooper, Jazmine Martinez and juniors Anna McKay and Reagan Mello. Setter Avery Berg, middle hitter Julianna Goicoechea and outside hitter Melissa Johnson are also back after seeing time as freshmen last year. 

“This group of girls is amazingly positive, hard-working, and coachable. The sophomore and freshman classes are loaded with talent, which is also exciting for the coming years,” said Vial.

The Lady Vandals won their first match of the season, 2-1 over Lowry on Friday, Aug. 14. Later in the day, Eureka played Yerington, falling in straight sets to the 2A team. Elko awaits at 11 a.m. on Aug. 21. The first league match of the year is against Lund at 6 p.m. on Sept. 3.

“Every one of these girls is pushing themselves to become a better volleyball player and teammate, so I think we are going to see a lot of great things from a lot of players,” Vial said. “We are super excited for this season and the positive energy and skill these girls bring to the court.”