It had been eight seasons since the Wright City volleyball team had finished with a winning record and recent campaigns had been dismal. But Todd Gambill set goals he felt were very achievable given …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Attention subscribers
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous wesbite, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue
Need an account?
Print and web subscribers
If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.
Online-only subscribers
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Non-subscribers
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Wright City Enjoyed Resurgent Season
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
It had been eight seasons since the Wright City volleyball team had finished with a winning record and recent campaigns had been dismal.But Todd Gambill set goals he felt were very achievable given the talent on this year’s team, and the Wildcats accomplished two out of those three.Wright City went 13-11, doubling its win total from 2012.“We wanted to have a winning record and win more games than last year,” said Gambill. “We felt like that was a pretty big accomplishment.”The Wildcats fell shy of their third goal — winning a district game. They lost to St. Charles in a rather disappointing season-ending performance.Senior Dakota Lindell shined during that contest and many others, earning a spot on the Class 3 All-District team.She finished with a team-best 102 kills and 56 blocks. Lindell also had 37 aces."She’s a very smooth, highly skilled hitter,” said Gambill. “She blocked a lot of girls that were bigger and stronger than her. She has great form and isn’t afraid to go up against anyone.”Wright City was not privy to conference accolades, the EMO not fielding enough teams to have an official league champion. But Gambill asserts that at least three of his competitors would likely have landed on all-conference honors.Junior Emily Janowski was one of the Wildcats’ most valuable players as a three-year starter. She collected a team-high 113 digs, while landing 101 kills.“As our team captain, she never sat out a single rotation,” said Gambill. “She was one of the best at every category.”Setter Sam Benson also played a pivotal role, leading the team with 192 assists, 73 digs and 43 aces.“She was all about work and led our team in hustle plays,” said Gambill. “She even had to become a hitter when injuries hit us late in the year.”Tonia Pettig was also the facilitator of several wins, hammering out 45 blocks.“She was a really good blocker for us and hit well too,” said Gambill.Gambill says Amanda Unnerstall was the most improved player this season at her libero position, collecting 83 digs.The Wildcats also looked to several younger players, including freshman Amy Janowski.“Our defense, back-line play and serving were much improved,” said Gambill. “We had many more quality hitters, so it wasn’t just Dakota and Emily attacking.”Among Wright City’s strongest showings was a weekend tournament at Principia in which they defeated the host team and McCluer North.“We finished second, and that was definitely one of the highlights of the year,” said Gambill.He says continued improvement will hinge on the Wildcats’ ability to believe they are the better team on the floor on any given night, rather than being intimidated by opponents.“It’s a process of buying in and being confident,” said Gambill. “We let a few wins slip away. We’re still in the process of learning to be the better team.”
Wright City seniors Dakota Lindell helped the Wildcats' to their first winning season in eight years.
