Riding a wave of success from a last year’s 22-5 campaign, the Herculaneum volleyball team is 11-4 this season after beating Crystal City 25-16, 25-11 and Bismarck 25-14, 25-19 last week.
“There was some pressure added to repeat what we did last season,” Herculaneum head coach Audrey Meda said. “They know my expectations. Now they have to get out and do it again.”
The Blackcats have seven seniors, all of whom have played for Meda since they were in middle school.
“This potentially could be our best year if we can keep our mental state,” Meda said.
In the win over the Hornets on Sept. 12, senior Claire Shadowens led Herky with six kills, two blocks and three service aces. Seniors Dani Vaughn and RaeAnn Fuller both had four kills and junior Emily Schultz added four kills and two solo blocks. Senior setter Lauren Partney had 16 assists, and senior libero Ashley Lodike chipped in with six digs and 13 serve reception passes.
Shadowens is a left-hander playing on the right side.
“She’s got a powerful serve,” Meda said. “She leads us in aces. She didn’t play back row last year. Her defense in the back row is solid.”
Meda said Partney is the spark for the Blackcats.
“She reads her hitter’s ability and mixes up her sets,” Meda said. “She’s gotten more aggressive on her front row attacks. She’s a lot smarter this year and is finding the holes. When the ball’s in her hands, I don’t stress.”
Fuller and Fischer play in the front row exclusively.
“We’re swing blocking this year – when (Fuller) is on offensively and defensively, we’re unstoppable.”
The Blackcats lost on Sept. 5 to defending Class 2 state champion St. Pius X 25-10, 26-24. Meda said she was happy with the way her team responded in the second game against the powerful Lancers.
“That’s why I reinforce hunger, heart and humility,” Meda said. “Nothing can stop you if you take that out on the court.”
Does Meda think the Lancers can repeat as state champions?
“Are they capable? Absolutely,” she said. “They are a very intelligent group. They have all kinds of stuff in their favor.”
In the Bismarck match on Sept. 16, Vaughn had six kills and nine digs, and Meda said she was the “Blackcat of the match.” Partney had 18 assists, 11 service points and two aces.