Lady Raiders Ready For Future

Sidney's Lady Raider Volleyball team fell short in their quest for a State Title, but had an outstanding year and are well-positioned to continue their success into the future, according to first year head coach Marcus Ehrke.

Ehrke finished his inaugural season with the Lady Raiders with a 32-and-4 record, and a Class B District Championship.

Ehrke commented on the team's year, saying, "Our season as a whole was a huge success. A school record for wins, and senior Mattie Johnson broke the Sidney records for most kills in a single match and a single season while also establishing a new career kills record."

Johnson moves on after graduation to attend the University of South Dakota after tallying 1363 kills in her high school career.

Indeed, it was a season that had many other records fall, while younger players developed and underclass starters honed their skills and learned to communicate better on the court.

Ehrke added, "Senior Nicole Birner broke the set assists in a match with 48 and a season record with 933 assists while junior Logan Holly broke the single season service aces record with 98. However, these records could not have been broken without the total support and contributions of the team."

Although the Lady Raiders lose Johnson, Birner, and seniors Kendra Nesbitt and Sarah Wamsley to graduation, Ehrke sees a great future ahead with players ready to step up and and continue the team's success.

"The future looks bright. We will never be able to replace the contributions of Nicole, Mattie, Kendra, and Sarah and they will be missed greatly. However, time moves forward, and we are extremely excited about the continued progress of the Raider volleyball program, and are determined to make appearances at the state tournament an annual occurrence. But in the future, we plan on winning once we get there," Ehrke said.