Golden Eagles are top seed in competitive district

By Jacob Meikel

With district tournaments starting next week, Bishop LeBlond girls volleyball will aim to sustain success as the number one seed in Class 2 District 16.

In a field where three teams have registered 20-plus wins this regular season, the tournament the Golden Eagles find themselves in will be no gimme.

“I think It’s going to be tough as well. I think we’re just going to have to focus, and watch film and take notes on what’s going to happen,” junior and returner Katie Sego said.

However, no matter the challenge, head coach Kimberly Huss, who tallied her 500th career win as a head coach this season, has been through countless district tournaments. The multiple-time state finalist head coach believes in her young team heading into next week.

“We always hope every season, our preparation at practices, but also our competition level throughout the season has prepared us well for district,” Huss said. “I feel like our team is at that point right now where we’re really getting into the groove of how we want to play.”

Last year, the Golden Eagles were able to nearly sweep its way to a Class 2 semifinal appearance, in which they captured third place in 2023. With a young team and so much expectations on its shoulders given the successful nature of the program, the team’s leaders aren’t getting too ahead of themselves.

“I think that we know we just have to take it one game at a time and we know what our goal is, and of course, I think everybody on the team wants to achieve that goal,” junior Rilyn Conard said. “But we also know that it takes one game at a time, so we gotta just work hard and focus on the goal.”

The Golden Eagles earned a bye in their district tournament, but will play the winner of St. Joseph Christian and West Platte next Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at East Buchanan High School.