ARCANUM – The Lady Trojans Volleyball Team completed a perfect season in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference running the table going 11-0 in the league to earn an outright Conference Championship and their 2nd title in the last two years.
There was no drama in the final league game as in seasons past for ladies’ volleyball with the Trojans going undefeated … but there were a few games this season that provided competitive and athletic challenges along with great atmospheres and rivalries that the Trojans were able to overcome.
“I think one of the most memorable moments of the season so far was the Mississinawa Valley game. It was such a fun environment with our fans and the MV fans, as well. Those types of games are the ones that the girls will remember most because of just how loud and fun it was for both teams,” Jacie stated.
“Another great moment for us this season was winning the Greenville Federal Invitational again – but to make it even sweeter, winning it in six sets. For the girls, the highlights of the season will always be playing Newton, Tri-Village, and Franklin Monroe, as well…those are always big games for us,” Holman added.
Probably the biggest challenge for Arcanum and coach Jacie Holman now in her 3rd year was figuring out how to overcome graduating six talented seniors from last year’s district semi-final team.
“After losing 6 seniors last year, I don’t think many people expected us to be at the top of the league this year. This summer the girls put in the extra time – I don’t think there was a day in August where girls weren’t coming in before practice and staying after practice to better themselves,” Holman explained.
“Winning the league title outright this year was a goal for us this year. Being co-champions last year was a huge accomplishment for the program; however, the girls had decided in June we wanted to push ourselves further this year and be THE league champions – and not sharing the title with anyone,” Holman commented.
The Lady Trojans goal was accomplished and is helping bring the vision that coach Holman had for the program to light.
“For the program and me, I think the last two years have really set the tone for Arcanum Volleyball. One of my goals when I took over the program was to develop a program – where when we looked at our banner in our gym, it would be filled with league championships, district titles, and hopefully even state championships. And the girls have bought in – which is why we have had the success we have had the last couple of years. The girls want those titles just as much as I do and I know that’s why we are getting the results we are,” Holman exclaimed.
Holman’s approach is making sure that every player realizes their effort and contributions matter and collectively is what makes the program successful.
“The key figures for our team are every single girl!!! We would not have the success we have had without every single girl on this team. A key focus for us this year has been acknowledging we wouldn’t have any success without each other. For example, when we get a kill, the girl immediately points and acknowledges her setter, who then acknowledges her passer. Our success doesn’t rely on one person – but it’s a team effort. The girls have also done a great job of stepping up when another girl may be off that night. For us, it has been key that we don’t just have one solid player – we have 13 girls who can step up to play at any time,” Holman amplified.
Arcanum 17-3 overall will now set their sight on post season after earning the #1 seed in the OHSAA DV Volleyball tournament.
Holman is looking forward to expanding their tournament success this year.
“Each year, we have gained one more tournament game win – and that’s our goal here…PLUS additional games! When we met in June, the girls made the goal to win districts this year – and I feel like this is the year! The #1 seed was a huge moral boost for the girls. To be acknowledged by the teams in our district, we greatly appreciate it…we felt our record should speak for itself (after only losing to two very high state-ranked teams), but to have our fellow WOAC coaches support us meant the world. We understand each tourney game won is a privilege – and we aren’t taking that for granted even with our #1 seed. We are taking each game one at a time – very similar to how we have handled the season. But we also realize we could have a BIG game in our district semi-final against Fort Recovery. Fort Recovery is a good team who plays a tough regular season schedule; however, our team has only continued to improve – and I think we are finally playing some of our best volleyball of the season, especially as a team! With that being said, I am looking forward to that game…and if we play like we know how, I am even more excited to see us get one step closer to achieving another one of our goals for the season,” Holman concluded.
If you haven’t seen the Lady Trojans play you might want to catch them in action as they open up tournament play at Noon on Saturday October 19th where they will host Tri-County North at home.
