By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel High volleyball returns to the court this year resolved to improve on last year’s 16-17 record.

The team’s season kicked off to an ambitious start Aug. 31 against No. 2. ranked Lebo High.

Goessel lost but held their own against a tough team.

The Bluebirds competed this past Tuesday at Herington against Wichita Central Christian Academy.

Both of these matches were non-league contests and Goessel begins the season 1-1.

Coach Crysta Guhr will look to the team’s returning starters seniors Kaleigh Guhr, Lyna Lehrman, and Rachael Zogleman to provide leadership.

Guhr brings experience at the setter position, netting Wheat State League first-team honors for the past two seasons.

Lehrman and Zogleman will be valuable both as hitters and blockers. Junior, Ashley Rosfeld will contribute as defensive specialist and sophomore Jaicee Griffin will be expected to add expertise as middle blocker.

“We lost 80% of our passing from last year,” Zogleman said. “So we are working hard to fill in that aspect our game.”

Guhr said the team hoped to finished above .500, an improvement from a year ago. The Bluebirds were 16-17 for last season.

Lehrman added: “Our hitting will be improved as we gain experience playing together.”

The Bluebirds have a tradition of serving aggressively. Nine of last year’s matches were won in a third set.

The Bluebirds will try to use their experience to win without playing a third set.

Goessel’s next tournament is set 8:30 a.m. Saturday at home.