Sports

Eagles confident of changes in 2013

By Tyler Ohmann

09/03/2013

After losing five seniors from a year ago the Newburg-Westhope Eagles hope to start a youth movement this volleyball season.

A 7-21 team a year ago, the Eagles return starters Lauren Mach and Molly Lodoen, both juniors, and contributors Paige Stratton (junior) and Ashlyn Huber (senior).

So far those players have stepped up to become big leaders for the Eagles according to head coach Katie Fluhrer, who is entering her second season as the Eagles coach.

“Practice has been amazing. Our younger girls from last year have really stepped up and taken on a big part in the leadership role,” Fluhrer stated. “We have been making huge strides from the first day of practice and I don’t believe the girls plan on slowing down anytime soon.”

Fluhrer believes that the returners from last year’s squad will have a big role this year in helping new players out.

“They know what they have to do to accomplish their goals, and have taken it upon themselves to really step up and help the newer faces figure out what they need to do, whether it be rotation, approaches, serving, setting, etc.,” Fluhrer stated.

A fresh face for the Eagles this season will be new assistant coach Olivia Christenson and both her and Fluhrer have taken it upon themselves to shake things up this season.

“We have taken a whole new approach to coaching. We changed things up quite a bit from last year,” Fluhrer stated. “We have been doing a lot more with positions drills and working with the ladies one-on-one. I think that this has helped the girls tremendously and they have come a long way since last season.”

Other players expected to contribute this season include senior Krystal Heth, and juniors Maddy Lodoen, Amber Hall, Lexi Wyman and Halle Khalifia.

The Eagles season begins at 7:15 p.m. tonight at St. John. The Eagles also play in Surrey on Thursday night and will participate in the Bottineau invite on Saturday.

Fluhrer said the girls are excited to get going and try out their new approaches to the game.

“The girls are ready to get their first game under their belt. They have worked very hard at practice and are ready to show people what they’ve got,” Fluhrer stated. “We are a different team than we were last year and they are excited to show fans that.”

Fans can catch a glimpse of the Eagles either at their road games this week or their first home match, which will be at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 10 when they host Rolla.