Rosenbaum ready for her turn to lead Sidney volleyball

Entering into her final year in the Sidney volleyball program, senior middle blocker Savanna Rosenbaum has had plenty of time to watch and learn from a long line of talented and charismatic players who have gone before her.

Now it's her turn to take the reins and try to lead Sidney to glory this season.

"I've had a really good opportunity to suit up for varsity all four years of my high school career," Rosenbaum said. "I've seen how past leaders have done and I'm hoping we can take the team and not let everyone get down when things are going rough, and I'm hoping we can go as far as we can this year with what we have."

The five-foot, 11-inch Rosenbaum will return to her spot in front of the net and will be joined this season by 5-10 sophomore and fellow blocker Annalise Lecher. Between those two manning the middle, blocking should be an area of strength for Sidney this year. Last season Rosenbaum, along with 123 kills and a 29.1 kill percentage, tallied 63 total blocks-second on the team in that category.

After dominating B District 8 last season and finishing with a solid 22-11 record, the Lady Raiders drew Beatrice in the sub-state game. It wasn't the ending they wanted, as they were swept on Beatrice's home court. So this year, the goal for Rosenbaum and the Lady Raiders is clear.

"I think getting past that [the sub-state game] will be the most important part for us," Rosenbaum said. "Winning district is obviously the first step but then that sub-state game is what got us last year. If we get over that we're doing pretty well."

Rosenbaum and her team will kick off the 2014 regular season on September 4 at 4 p.m. against Ogallala at North Platte High School.