By Eddie Blanton, Gator Galaxy Staff

On November 4th, the varsity volleyball team played a double header against Omaha Central and Omaha Burke to try to earn a trip to the state tournament.

They came on the court and pummeled Central, winning the first three sets, securing a second round bid. With very little rest, the girls came back and went head-to-head against Burke High School.  The girls won the first set, 25-17, but were unable to stop Burke, losing the next three sets 24-26, 17-25, and 23-25. Although the girls had lost the final game, their overall season was triumphant.

“The girls played their hearts out, they left it all out on the floor,” said administrator Mike Gillotti.

“We improved overall at the end of the season,” said Brandy Koll (12), “which is how we were expected to play.”

Although this season was an expected accomplishment, the final week was influenced by very solemn news. The week of districts, coach Nelson-Hitz unexpectedly lost her father. The team came together as a family and gave everyone the strength to get through the pain.  “Knowing that her dad passed away just made us play harder and win for her and her family,”  said Jenna Shoecraft (12).

Fighting formidable foes and keeping their “family” safe seems to be an easy job for these Gator girls.  The school is anxious to see what the 2010-2011 varsity team will bring to the table next year.