Contrary to what some people might have thought, second-year Cardinal Stritch volleyball coach John Kazmaier

Cardinal Stritch Volleyball players go for the kill. (Photo by Doug Carns)

didn't worry too much after graduating eight seniors from last year's Toledo Area Athletic Conference co-championship team.

“I kept 10 players (on the roster) this year and it is somewhat of an inexperienced team,” Kazmaier said, “but the seniors I have are good leaders. They took a lot away from last season and they were really prepared and excited to take the reins their senior year.

“A lot of girls came up from the jayvee squad who had a lot of playing time last year, and a lot of girls played club volleyball in the offseason. I was very impressed with the improvements I saw from the girls in the offseason.”

The Cardinals, who finished 14-8 and 7-1 in the TAAC a year ago, have won six of their first 12 matches this season and are 3-1 in conference play. They have beaten Emmanuel Christian, Danbury, Ottawa Hills, Gibsonburg, Swanton and Erie Mason. Their losses have been to Toledo Christian, Northview, Defiance, Delta, Maumee and Fostoria.

“We have a lot of girls with a strong desire to win and make themselves better,” Kazmaier said. “It's not just about the win-loss. They want to make sure they're also improving on the volleyball court and showing hard work on the court this year. The team gets along really well. We've focused a lot more on team bonding, and with this team it's real easy. They're all pretty good friends and they get along really well.”

All four returning letterwinners are seniors, including team captains Stacy Molnar and Sam Uher. Molnar is an outside hitter and Uher is a middle blocker and the team's top hitter this season.

“Both girls took a real big role and a big interest in working hard for the team and being the emotional leaders, along with Megan (Peer),” Kazmaier said. “Sam is one of the tallest girls on the team (5-10), which is always a plus. She's not enormous by any standard, but it helps. She's got long arms and a good vertical, combined with good swing mechanics. She really pounds the ball.”

Stritch's other two letter winners from last year are libero Sara Inderreiden and Peer, a setter.

“Sara has done things this year she's never done before, and she's played fantastic,” Kazmaier said. “Megan set for us a little bit last year, but she mostly hit right side. She's stepped in and taken over setting without any problem. She and my other setter (junior Melissa Cobb) have been working extra before and after practice, and they're really learning how to run an offense effectively.”

The Cardinals' other senior is right side hitter Amanda Sinay, who was on the jayvee team last season.

“I'm excited about the younger players on the team,” Kazmaier said. “I've got three juniors and two sophomores who have a lot of talent. It will be a good base for next year's team, definitely.”

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