Lady Bulldogs look back on state runner-up season

By Amanda Smallwood
UCA sportswriting

After the most successful season in the program's history, St. Joseph's Lady Bulldogs will be resting the volleyball jerseys until next fall.

Luke Davis' Lady Bulldogs finished 23-1, losing only in the Class 3A state championship match to Mansfield — last year's state runner-up. They also won the first district championship in school history after winning another 3A-Central conference title.

“We knew as a team no matter the outcome we still had an amazing season,” senior Katie Reinhard said.

Added senior Veronica Bausom: “As a team we definitely improved. We learned to better our fundamentals and how the little things played a big role in how far we made it this year.”

Statistically, junior Amy Schichtl delivered 272 kills, averaging 11.3 per match. Junior Jessica Justice totaled 86 aces with an average of 3.6 and 570 assists with an average of 23.75. The leader in digs was junior Jordan Justice with 385, an average of 16.

Bausom, Reinhard, Schichtl and both Justice sister earned all-conference honors. Schichtl and Reinhard made the all-district tournament team; Jessica Justice was named MVP of the district tournament. The Justice sisters and Schichtl earned all-state honors, and Bausom, Courtney Briggler and Katie Halter made the all-state tournament team.

The Lady Bulldogs will lose seniors Bausom and Reinhard, who will be attending the University of Central Arkansas in the fall. With the end of the season, the seniors have special games that symbolize the team’s successful year.

“The playoff matches will always be a great memory for me, especially the match against Harrisburg,” Reinhard said. “The team was down by two games and then we came back to win the match which sent us to the semifinals.”

Bausom said the match against Lavaca would be a lasting memory for the Lady Bulldogs because they defeated the defending state champions and that win sent the team to the state final.

With the overall season, the Lady Bulldogs came together to make lasting memories and great achievements.

“I have never seen a team down by two games to nothing and overcome the odds and win,” Davis said. “The girls showed tremendous heart and character, and that’s how we want all of our students and athletes to carry themselves.”

St. Joseph will return lots of experience next season. Losing only two starters, the Lady Bulldogs plan to accomplish the same goals and win the state title. After a break, the team will start with spring training.

“I think they definitely gained a lot of experience and that is huge for the years to come," Davis said. "With having the majority of the girls coming back next year, there should be no excuses of youth or inexperience.”

Davis said he planned to work on individual skills in the spring, not just to improve that player's ability but also to strengthen the team and have the Lady Bulldogs play as one.

“I want the girls to know what the other one is doing before she does,” Davis said. “This will help with communication and dropped balls a lot.”

Davis said he had things he needed to improve on as well. With this being only his third year coaching volleyball, he still has a lot more to learn about the game.

“I think the more we learn about the game and each other, the more we should be able to have a successful season,” he said.