Winamac Athletics

Winamac's third annual volleyball invitational started with a bang for the Warriors. Taking Tri-Township (LaCrosse) and Lake Station-Edison in two sets each - 25-27, 25-20 and 25-12, 25-22 respectively - the Warriors were able to piece together a great performance despite missing starters Brooke Rausch and Raegan Kasten. Piper Link ended the day with 11 kills to balance out McKenzie Hinz's 13 kills on the day. Newcomer Kaelyn O'Connor led the team in aces with 8 total. Senior Lauren Fredel added 27 assists and 9 digs, while Hailey Attinger dished out 6 kills and an ace. The final match against former tournament champions and semi-state finalists Kouts High School, left the Warriors a little winded. The fast pace of a high caliber team is something that the Warriors young team could struggle with this season, but they haven't thrown in the towel just yet. "We knew coming into this that we were young and somewhat inexperienced at the varsity level, but knowing that has helped us keep things in perspective and continue to play as a team and take those learning opportunities in stride," commented Coach Kasten. "I am especially proud of my returning varsity girls for keeping this mindset and pulling our underclassmen along with them. It's going to be a great learning season!"