Page 102 - 2006.Millard.North.

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Team unity ca-r-ried them all the way to s-tate

The Pershing Auditorium was filled with the sounds of spirited school bands, enthusiastic
cheerleaders, and wild fans- not to mention the frequent cheers and encouragement that
from teammates both on the bench and on the court. In the midst of all the noise and cvritcmi
a battle was taking place. It was the battle of 13 girls, whose friendship, dedication, talent,
perseverance brought the varsity volleyball team to compete for the state championship for
first time since 2001.
"Besides the excitement of our team doing well enough to participate in the state games,
fact that we were coach Cork's first team to advance so far in the state tournament made it
more meaningful," junior Kelli Sicner said .
The team played an outstanding match at the championships against Lincoln North Star,
winning three out of four close games. After advancing to the second round, the girls lost to
Bellevue West, who ended up winning the championship and the state title. Regardless of
loss, the team still had an winning season, finishing with a record of 27-6 and being ranked
in the state .
Many of the girls on both the varsity and JV teams had been playing volleyball together for
long time. In addition to their apparent talent and knack for the game, this personal rnr,na.rt~t~
with each other as teammates aided in the girls' numerous wins .
lhe fact that we're all such good friends is what got us so far. We worked well together ,•
Anne Macaitis said .
•

Freshman Katelin Saalfeld sets the ball for
one of her N teammates to hH. Beside the
love of the game, "the best part about
playing volleyball was meeting new
people and seeing my friends every day;
Saalfeld said . photo by SUzie Mac
Junior Laura Frel and sophomore Charlotte
Belk block an oncoming ball. Belk had the
opportunHy to swing up from the reserve
team to play wHh N. photo by SUzie Mac