The volleyball season ended with Freedom falling short to New Brighton in an exciting match on Nov 10-22-2020. They won the first set and then lost the other two. The game was emotional, being the last game of their season, the team had to say goodbye to their seniors. The team’s overall  record was 2-12. 

This year Sara Mengel, Emily Ostrowski and Journey Welling were recognized as 2020 Class 2A Section 1 All-Stars. This All-Star awarding showcases the hard work and dedication these 3 girls have put into their volleyball season. Mengel made the second team while Welling and Ostrowski made third team All-Stars. 

“It feels amazing because I have been putting a lot of hard work and dedication into the sport so I can get better. So it means a lot that my hard work is starting to really pay off,” Welling said. 

With the season over, the only thing left behind are the memories. Not only did the girls bond on the court, but they also did lots of team bonding off the court. 

“Some of my favorite memories would have to be the team bonding. From jamming out on the bus and in the gym to our dinner outings at restaurants. I loved getting to bond and become a family with the girls I played with,” senior Alexis Surenda said. 

“The main item that made this season so special aside from COVID-19, was the competitiveness and the overall ability of the players. Week after week, match after match the girls were extremely competitive with every team in the section,” Coach Bellinger said. 

The team will be losing five seniors:  Alexis Surenda, Madison Lewis, Emily Ostrowski, Angel Clinkscales and Erin Harp.  

“The seniors will really be missed. It was great playing with them and going into next season without them will be different,”  junior Audrey Lawrence said. 

“What I am going to miss most going into next season would definitely have to be the seniors. All of us grew such a strong bond with them and it won’t be the same without them,” junior Emily Frashure said. 

With senior players leaving the team, new players will be joining the team. Some junior varsity players will be joining the varsity team next year. With new players comes new talent and strengths. 

“Next year I’m looking forward to just going out there and playing with my team. We have a lot of talented players and I’m excited to see what next season will bring,” Lawrence said. 

“I feel extremely positive going into next season. The girls made significant gains, skill and development. They took the next step but they need to be successful and challenge themselves for a playoff spot,” Coach Bellinger said.

Altogether the team has had a great and memorable season. They will be losing valuable players next year, but also gaining new talent. The team is looking forward to continuing to improve and playing even better next season.