Goodbye to many, hello to more: a review of the girls volleyball season

%28From+top+left+to+right+in+order%3A+Coach+Mraz%2C+Kate+Sadler%2C+Taylor+Morgan%2C+Emily+DeBlecourt%2C++Dovile+Gorys%2C+Nadia+Goich%2C+Lindsay+Oldendorf%2C+Rebecca+Oldendorf%2C++Coach+Zeimetz%2C+%0ABottom+row%3A+Xeni+Lavvas%2C+Eileen+Mitchell%2C+Ellie+Anselmo%2C+Leena+Ajibola%2C+Morgan+Schmutzler%2C+Nora+Dykstra%2C+Cameryn+DeBlecourt+-+Not+pictured%3A+Hannah+Knippenberg%29+

Photographer: Mara Goich

(From top left to right in order: Coach Mraz, Kate Sadler, Taylor Morgan, Emily DeBlecourt, Dovile Gorys, Nadia Goich, Lindsay Oldendorf, Rebecca Oldendorf, Coach Zeimetz, Bottom row: Xeni Lavvas, Eileen Mitchell, Ellie Anselmo, Leena Ajibola, Morgan Schmutzler, Nora Dykstra, Cameryn DeBlecourt – Not pictured: Hannah Knippenberg)

Written by Emily Thompson, Features Editor

The LTHS girls volleyball team, led by Head Coach Nick Mraz and Assistant Coach Ken Zeimetz, had a fulfilling season with an overall record of 26-12. With the Porters playing an intense three sets against Joliet West, they came out with a victory to secure them a spot in the sectional game. As the Porters had a challenging three sets against Sandburg, they lost with pride as they knew they had a successful and accomplished season with friendships that would last a lifetime. The team is losing eight seniors in total due to graduating this school year, three of whom will be playing D1 in college.

Three seniors will be carrying their volleyball careers into college: Outside hitter Taylor Morgan (3) committed to Southern Illinois Carbondale; Outside hitter Morgan Schmutzler (4) committed to Franklin Pierce University; and Middle/right-side hitter Rebecca Oldendorf (6) committed to the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

The team had a season that they will not forget. With laughs and tears, the girls know that the court at Lockport will always be a place where memories fill the air. Friendships that were created through the bond of a team are unforgettable and are something the girls will cherish for many years to come. With the loss of many, it allows the Porters to grow in technique and be able to expand their family.