‘Jays flying high again

Athens is poised for another state tournament run

By Casey Krautkramer

The Athens varsity volleyball team is currently ranked third in Division 4, despite losing one of its best players before this season even began.

Athens improved its match record to 2-0 in the Marawood North Conference and 14-5 overall this season after Tuesday’s 3-1 home win against Abbotsford.

The Bluejays have state tournament aspirations again this season, considering they return strong senior leadership, even though senior Addison Lavicka is out for the season with an injury. Tanille Hartwig is in her seventh season as the team’s head coach. She said Lavicka supports her teammates by cheering loudly for them on the bench during matches.

“Sadly, Addison is out for the entire season,” Hartwig said. “She tore her ACL during summer basketball and has a long road to recovery. Her physical presence on the court is definitely missed. However, she is embracing her new role the best she can. She focuses on the mental and strategic side of the game and is constantly there for her teammates.”

Athens’ top returning volleyball players this season are the head coach’s daughters, senior outside hitter/ setter Jazelle Hartwig and sophomore middle hitter Sy’Rih Hartwig along with senior middle hitter Sophia Coker.

The Bluejays lost libero Savannah Epping and defensive specialist Celina Ellenbecker from last year’s state tournament team to graduation in spring. Freshman libero Karly Eckert is the team’s top newcomer this season.

“We are excited to see what Karly Eckert is going to bring to our team,” Tanille Hartwig said. “She is young and a bit shy, but her natural talents and ability to read the ball can’t be taught. It will be fun to see the growth she makes this season. In addition to Karly helping us on defense, we have Sy’Rih Hartwig playing all the way around this year and Jenna Handschke will fill a defensive specialist role as well.”

Athens nearly advanced into the Division 4 state championship match last season after losing a close state tournament semifinals match, 3-2, to a one-loss Monticello squad. Coach Hartwig is hoping her returning volleyball players learned from their state tournament experience last season.

“We are looking to all our seniors for their leadership this year,” she said. “They all bring something a little different to the table and are vital parts of our team. Having a successful season last year was an amazing experience, but coming up short of the championship game was tough. I am hoping that is just the motivation that we all need to take things to the next level this season.”