BonnerSprings.com

Most high school volleyball teams end their season at the sub-state or state tournament. Not the Bonner Springs Bravettes.

They had a unique end to their season with a quadrangular on Tuesday, Oct. 28, after sub-state play had already taken place. They were able to end on a positive note by beating Harmon and Wyandotte before falling to rival Basehor-Linwood in a hard-fought match.

In sub-state play the previous Saturday, the Bravettes lost to Shawnee Heights, 25-20, 25-12, in the first round and were eliminated from state tournament contention.

“We played really well but lost to a good Shawnee Heights team who is ranked in the top five in 5A,” BSHS coach Kerri Jennings said. “Our effort was great — possibly the best all season. We definitely left it all out there. They had some good hitters cranking on the ball and we just kept digging them up — it was awesome. Unfortunately, they were superior to us in hitting and in blocking. If we had some better blocking, we would’ve done even better. I was extremely proud of our heart and effort”

In Jennings’ first year as coach of Bonner Springs, the team finished with an 8-27 record, which was a major improvement from 2007. The squad is trying to build a program from the ground up and made the first step this season. Not only did the record improve, but the competitiveness of the girls was apparent. They stayed in games longer, points longer and matches longer.

“Obviously, we would’ve liked to win more games,” Jennings said. “We did improve quite a bit from our first game to our last, and that’s what it’s all about. (We also) improved individual skills and teamwork.”

Toward the end of the season, BSHS began to run different advanced hitting schemes and quickened its offense. Both concepts are priorities for the team and coaching staff in seasons to come as they build.

Unfortunately for the Bravettes, they stand to lose a lot in terms of experience and skill due to graduation.

The seniors will be hard to replace for the squad because each one brought different skills to the team — Amber Barnes (libero), Nancy DeLeon (defensive specialist), Cali Hackney (right side hitter), Anna Nelson (defensive specialist) and Starian Porchia (setter).

However, they do have most of their hitters and blockers returning, which should make the transition of so many new players a little easier, but only slightly.

“It all starts with a pass and a set, and most of those girls (that do that) we lose to graduation,” Jennings said. “We need stronger girls physically and emotionally, and girls that will do whatever it takes to keep the ball from hitting our (side of the) floor.”

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