Volleyball Program Prepares for Rebuilding Season

Katie Benson begins her ninth year as coach of the Eureka Lady Vandals volleyball team.

Two or three returning players off the varsity squad will make up the core of the Vandals this season, having lost five to graduation from the team that was 27-6 last year, second place to Virginia City in the Northern regional tournament and lost to eventual state champion Pahranagat Valley in the state semifinals.

“We’re in rebuilding program this year,” Benson said. “It will be interesting to see how the year goes.”

Senior Josie Hoekenga and junior Carlie Wells will be two of the key players for the team as they are the two returning starters. “That’s who we are going to be relying on for leadership this year.”

The Vandals open the season with at the Yerington Invitational Aug. 23-24. Then have a non-league match at Round Mountain Aug. 29 and go the Battle Mountain Invitational Aug. 30-31.

The Lady Vandals first home matches are with Round Mountain and Tonopah Sept. 13-14 and a mid-week league match with Carlin on Wednesday Sept. 18.